Awake in the World by Jason Gurley
Published by Roaring Brook Press on February 12th 2019
ISBN: 1250141834
Pages: 336
Goodreads

Zach is a natural artist when it comes to drawing and understanding the wonders of what surrounds him. He captures the moment which makes his art even more intense. Living in a small, coastal town in California, Zach lost his father to a deep sea diving accident and no one is sure who to blame. But now, Zach’s older brother has dropped out of college to pick up the family business. Zach needs to finish high school, and has an opportunity to leave, but is torn whether to stay at home, where he feels obligated to tend to their younger sister, and a mother who mentally has never recovered from her husband’s death. Then, in steps – Vanessa,  who is financially better off then Zach, a little odd, but admires his art and wants Zach to want what she wants. Their worlds collide when a  disasters happen and the emotions are intense.

Recommended for grade 8 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.