Timothy's 12-year-old life revolves around his baby brother Levi's medical condition. Levi was born needing a "trach," whereby a tube is placed in his neck to breathe, which makes his daily existence tenuous. Timothy's world on Magnolia Circle in Texas is grounded by both his neighbor José as well as his earnest mother, who protects Timothy from having contact with his deserting father. Trying to help pay for medical expenses, Timothy brazenly steals a wallet that lands him on house arrest for one year. Along with his sentence comes juvenile probation officer James and the school guidance counselor, Mrs. B. Holt's use of free-verse narrative, organized by seasons and weeks of the year, develops a pace for Timothy's reluctance in writing his court-ordered journal entries. Timothy's every action, while impulsive, centers on his deep brotherly love. Readers who empathize with Timothy's determination regardless of consequence will appreciate Holt's lessons of compassion and family above all.

Gr 6-10 Timothy stole a wallet, and now he's an adjudicated delinquent. The only places he's allowed to go are to school and to appointments with his therapist and probation officer. Also, the judge gave him a journal-writing assignment. If Timothy shows signs of remorse and doesn't get into more trouble over the course of the next year, he may be able to avoid being sent to juvie. But Timothy didn't take the wallet for himself. His family is in dire financial straits ever since his father left and his younger brother was born with serious health issues. Now, with plenty of spare time on his hands, Timothy can fully explore his complicated feelings about his current family situation. He knows one thing, though: stealing the wallet may have been wrong, and he knows it didn't help, but if there's a way he can truly help his struggling family, he won't hesitate to act. This gripping novel in verse evokes a wide variety of emotional responses, as it is serious and funny, thrilling and touching, sweet and snarky. Timothy is an entirely believable kid, and his brother's health issues, as well as Timothy's reactions to them, are skillfully described. VERDICT This story will have plenty of appeal for reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike and will be a good fit for most library collections. Misti Tidman, Licking County Library, Newark, OH