In the spirit of Thanksgiving, a holiday that brings friends and family together, I am recommending Gather, a wonderful book by debut author Kenneth M. Cadow. There are many books that highlight teenagers who deal with difficult life circumstances, but this book takes on that topic especially well, plus there is a dog! Here is the publisher's summary:
Ian Gray isn’t supposed to have a dog, but a lot of things that shouldn’t happen end up happening anyway. And Gather, Ian’s adopted pup, is good company now that Ian has to quit the basketball team, find a job, and take care of his mom as she tries to overcome her opioid addiction. Despite the obstacles thrown their way, Ian is determined to keep his family afloat no matter what it takes. And for a little while, things are looking hopeful. Ian makes friends, and his fondness for the outdoors and for fixing things lands him work helping neighbors. But an unforeseen tragedy results in Ian and his dog taking off on the run, trying to evade a future that would mean leaving their house and their land. Even if the community comes together to help him, would Ian and Gather have a home to return to?
Told in a wry, cautious first-person voice that meanders like a dog circling to be sure it’s safe to lie down, Kenneth M. Cadow’s resonant debut brings an emotional and ultimately hopeful story of one teen’s resilience in the face of unthinkable hardships.
Some other things to know about this book:
1. It does a great job of recognizing that not all types of intelligence are measured in school.
2. The dog doesn't die.
3. The title is so fun to think about once you finish the book. It relates to SO many different parts of the story.
I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and hope you will be able to gather with those you love and who love you.
I further hope that you will have time to sneak away and curl up with this terrific book.