Starred Review Quentin, known as Quagmire since grade school, needs to step up his game. His mom, who suffers from undiagnosed mental illness, is heading into a full-blown emotional spin and his current level of caretaking and question-dodging isn't going to cut it this time. When his mom takes him on a crazy road trip from New York into the Midwest and then abandons him, he must use his wits to survive. Discovering a heretofore unknown uncle, he moves in with him and begins to let go of his reins of control, realizing that it's OK to be 14 and not 40, as he opens up to a different kind of life. The author cleverly juxtaposes portraits of absurd bird behaviors with Quagmire's unfortunate yet comically told existence, illustrating the lengths all creatures go to to survive. This amazing story is told with deep understanding and touched with a humor forged through pain, delivering an exceptional experience that avoids maudlin stereotypes and instead captures emotions and situations with succinct sincerity; not a word is wasted. Perfect for middle-grade readers, especially those who gravitate towards books by Gary D. Schmidt, Daniel Nayeri, and Erin Bow. Buy it, read it, talk about it, and share the love by passing it on.

Fourteen-year-old Quentin "Quagmire" Tiarello takes care of his mother, who has undiagnosed bipolar disorderSometimes his mom disappears for a couple of days. While he waits for her to return after "a spin," Quag, who presents white, tries to survive on his own, even if that means scavenging from a pizza parlor's dumpster. He already knows that her illness must remain secret, so he avoids the nosy neighbor and keeps to himself. But after his crush, Cassie, invites him to join her and her friends at the YMCA's ArtCamp, Quag signs on to operate the soundboard for their radio play. Eventually, though, his mom shows up outside the Y, and Quag is taken for a wild ride: She whisks him far away from their home in central New York, leaving his friends in the dark. Quag realizes, though, that he can't keep his mother safe anymore. After seeking help from his uncle, Quag must decide whether or not to open up to his friends. The novel realistically and empathetically addresses struggles around mental illness: Quag takes on heavy adult responsibilities with intelligence and compassion, and, despite his mother's abandonment of him, readers understand Quag's love for her as he recounts her more resilient and caring moments. Short passages about birds interspersed throughout the narrative reflect Quag's personal growth. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in this journey.An original narrative voice filled with humor and poignant truth telling. (author's note with resources)(Fiction. 10-14)

Fourteen-year-old Quentin "Quagmire" Tiarello takes care of his mother, who has undiagnosed bipolar disorderSometimes his mom disappears for a couple of days. While he waits for her to return after "a spin," Quag, who presents white, tries to survive on his own, even if that means scavenging from a pizza parlor's dumpster. He already knows that her illness must remain secret, so he avoids the nosy neighbor and keeps to himself. But after his crush, Cassie, invites him to join her and her friends at the YMCA's ArtCamp, Quag signs on to operate the soundboard for their radio play. Eventually, though, his mom shows up outside the Y, and Quag is taken for a wild ride: She whisks him far away from their home in central New York, leaving his friends in the dark. Quag realizes, though, that he can't keep his mother safe anymore. After seeking help from his uncle, Quag must decide whether or not to open up to his friends. The novel realistically and empathetically addresses struggles around mental illness: Quag takes on heavy adult responsibilities with intelligence and compassion, and, despite his mother's abandonment of him, readers understand Quag's love for her as he recounts her more resilient and caring moments. Short passages about birds interspersed throughout the narrative reflect Quag's personal growth. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in this journey.An original narrative voice filled with humor and poignant truth telling. (author's note with resources)(Fiction. 10-14)