A LIST OF CAGES by Robin Roe
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Julian hasn’t seen his former foster brother since Uncle Russell took him in. Uncle Russell told him how much Adam and his mom hated him. He was such a burden to them. And now he’s a burden to Uncle Russell. He hates himself for all the mistakes he makes. And for how he can’t even make it to school the days after Uncle Russell’s punishments.
Adam can hardly believe it when he sees Julian at school. The kid looks so different! His new guardian never responded to any of his mom’s requests to check up on him. It is so wonderful to see him again! Except that something seems wrong. As the year progresses, Adam realizes that something very dark is happening in Julian’s life, and he will have to make a choice between protecting Julian’s privacy and reaching out to help.
Through this dark tale of an abusive guardian, readers can see the warning signs of abuse, the wrongness of a child blaming himself for being abused, and the importance of speaking up about suspected abuse, even at the risk of losing a friendship. Recommended for realistic fiction readers who can handle some disturbing subject matter.
Susan the Librarian 