When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made.
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When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he’s got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn’t easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can’t complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian – the foster brother he hasn’t seen in five years.
Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He’s still kind hearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what’s really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives.
A deeply moving and emotional young adult novel, A List of Cages by Robin Roe explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of friendship. Adam...Read More
A deeply moving and emotional young adult novel, A List of Cages by Robin Roe explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the power of friendship.
Adam and Julian were once foster brothers, but after years apart, they find themselves reunited in high school. Adam, a popular senior with ADHD, is assigned to help Julian, a quiet and isolated freshman struggling to find his place. As their bond rekindles, Adam begins to realize that Julian’s home life is far from safe, leading him on a mission to protect his friend at all costs.
This book is heartbreaking, infuriating, and deeply powerful. Roe does not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of abuse and the failures of the system. While some of the hardships Julian faces felt overwhelming, the story’s underlying message of hope and kindness makes it an unforgettable read. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate hard-hitting contemporary fiction.
