The book is based on real-life incidents and packs a punch. It is hard-hitting without being overly dramatic (until the end when it loses a bit of control and becomes melodramatic). 

The pacing is slow in the first half but picks up in the second. The setting is an integral part of the story without any descriptive prose, which works well for the plot. 

The author's note at the end provides more information about the historical events and gives us a glimpse of the research that went into the book. The inclusion of pictures was a great touch. 

This is a bittersweet book with a variety of themes. Pick it up when you're in the mood for something heavy yet heartwarming. It has quite a few triggers, though. Be prepared. 

TW:

Parental death, poverty, sexual assault, racism.