(3) YA Reed’s not your typical high schooler -- he spends most of his time caring for his ten-year-old sister, Beatrice, who has spinal muscular atrophy. When their mom skips town, Reed resorts to some non-legal methods to pay for a lifesaving surgery for Bea, with the help of Helena, student council president and Reed’s former best friend. Helena’s and Reed’s relationship feels somewhat forced, but precocious Bea is a particularly likable character, and readers will root for her and her brother even as they question the morality of his actions.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns