Poe is just trying to keep it together d keep his secret. School is tough enough for anyone, but when you are homeless, everything is a challenge. Poe has managed to hide his homelessness from everyone, including his best friend and the cute new girl at school. Unlike many parents in YA lit, Poe's dad is not a bad guy, just someone who lost his job and their house. The two are close, and Poe often feels compelled to protect his dad. But when a storm destroys their tent, and authorities discover the remnants of the camp, a search is on for Poe and his dad. This is an interesting, unusual view of homelessness, with a protagonist who works hard to keep up appearances. His friendships are typical of those of many teens, as are his attempts to meet the new girl. The currency of the topic will resonant with teens of any reading ability, all of whom will be rooting for a happy ending. An excellent addition to the Orca Currents series.

Edgar (a.k.a. Poe) and his father are homeless. A new housing development and a new female student complicate his life even more. Then an encounter with bullies, followed by a class discussion on homelessness, force him to reveal his fears. Though stock characters and a predictable outcome lessen the impact of the narrative, the story's themes are thought-provoking.

Gr 6-10 Poe has managed to keep his secret all year, but then he loses his cool in a classroom discussion about homelessness. He has been living in a tent ever since his dad left his job to take care of his mom when she was dying of cancer. When a storm hits, destroying their tent and injuring his father, Poe finds himself having to come clean about his living situation. He is interviewed on a local news station and soon learns that he's surrounded by people who want to help him. Although the story ties up a little too neatly and drags at times, overall it is a fast read that delivers an important message about the complexities of homelessness. Rachael Myers-Ricker, Horace Mann School, Bronx, NY