I just loved it. I could tell from early on how things were going to end, but the journey to getting there was great. There's a hidden dual perspective here, you definitely see from the kids' perspective, Caleb in particular, but also from the parents' when they realize Styx needs love but guidance. I thought the boys trying to sell their sister to the neighborhood used-to-be bully was super funny too. The foreshadowing is well-thought out here, and it cooks until the bread of the finale is fully-baked.

Also, I enjoyed the whole cast of characters, especially Caleb. He wants to be more, to be special and cool. His dad is fine with constricting to their little town and not letting them explore. When he meets Styx, the older boy immediately becomes like his idol.

My only nitpick is the slang. Fo shizzle, off the hook, etc are used, and it left me thinking what time period is this? But the book references Steven Universe which is fairly recent. I know the boys are country and Styx favors old-timey talk, but the slang was too dated.

I loved the Mr. Pike and Styx revelation. Styx is hardheaded, but he secretly cared about Mr. Pike and even remembered how much he loved to collect lunchboxes. Mr. Pike loved Styx too but thought when he ran away that CPS had took him.

;__;