By Lisa Fipps
New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2024. Fiction. 244 pages.In this novel-in-verse, Joe Oak knows he's not a superhero (even if he has flown once.) Instead the "BOOMS" in his life are when unexpected and difficult things happen that blow up his life. The first difficulty begins when his mom takes off, first for days, then weeks, then months. Then when she skips out on a court hearing Grandmum and Joe end up homeless since Grandmum had used their house as collateral to pay her bail money. The "BOOMS" keep coming throughout the book, which includes difficult topics like death and grieving, homelessness and food insecurity, and abandonment. Although this book won't be for everyone, those who are ready to take on these sensitive topics will find a beautifully written story of how others' actions can impact those around them, both for the good and the bad, and surviving in the face of great adversity.
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