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Breaking into Sunlight
Reese is a seventh-grader in rural North Carolina who loves drawing, basketball, his hardworking mom, and his charming, charismatic dad. But then one day, he comes home to his worst nightmare – his dad on the floor, lips turning blue, overdosed. Again. Reese calls 911 and gets his dad out of danger, and he expects to go on as before. But for his mom, this is the breaking point, and she declares that she and Reese are leaving until Reese’s dad gets real help with his addiction. They move to a rundown trailer outside of town, where Reese is furious with his mom, scared for his dad, and terrified his friends will find out. Then he meets Meg and Charlie, who have likewise been stranded by circumstances beyond their control. As the trio explores the blackwater river that runs nearby, Reese discovers new beauty and joy in nature and these fresh connections. His dad is also doing better, holding things together, and talking to his mom again. But how long can the good times last? And what will Reese do if — when — they end? In the United States today, an estimated one in eight kids live with a parent with a substance-abuse problem. Written with bracing honesty, deep sympathy, and tenderness for all its characters, Breaking into Sunlight offers readers a powerful affirmation that no one is alone.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2024
10 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
John Cochran
1 book7 followersI grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. I studied journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and worked for daily newspapers in Missouri, Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, reporting on everything from crime to state government. I went on to cover Congress and national politics for Congressional Quarterly in Washington, D.C., where I received the National Press Foundation’s Everett McKinley Dirksen Award. I live on Capitol Hill in D.C. with my wife and our two children. Breaking into Sunlight is my first novel.
I am represented by Isabelle Bleecker of Nordlyset Literary Agency.
I am represented by Isabelle Bleecker of Nordlyset Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 23, 2024
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“ No, because this was their secret—his and his mom and dad’s.
He didn’t want anyone to know about any of it.
The anger was like a fist inside his chest.”
Former journalist John Cochran's contemporary middle grade is a poignant and emotional debut that touches upon the onslaught of distress and turbulence that follows in the wake of parental addiction - how a parent has to do what they feel is best for their child and their family to keep them safe, while a young boy has to struggle with accepting the harsh and painful truth that as much as they hope the dark days can be put behind, sunlight can only break through tender healing and heartfelt connection. When North Carolina twelve-year-old Reese comes home during the last days of seventh grade, it is only to see his worst nightmare come to life - his father on the floor, unconscious and on the verge of death, after yet another opioid overdose.
After making the 911 call, Reese expects life to return back to normal, but his mother has an unflinching ultimatum: his father finds real help for his addiction, and until then, she and Reese won't be sticking around to see if he falls deeper into the depths of his substance dependency. 'I can’t help you at all if you won’t help yourself, and Reese and I cannot stand around and watch you do this to yourself. We won’t.' 😟 Furious that his mother is abandoning his father, during his time of need and fearful that it could happen again, Reese has no say in the matter when his mother has them move into a trailer near the blackwater river on the outskirts of town, where he befriends two siblings - Meg and Charlie. Who, grappling with their own palpable grief, help him discover and explore and heal the parts of himself that will not only help him better cope with the turbulent feelings he has towards his parents, but also with the gentle and compassionate reminder that he is not alone in facing the difficult challenges he has to face. 🙏🏻
“We’re staying with Dad,” he said.
“Reese, we’re going. Please. I need you to help me.”
“No,” he said. They were stuck in a horrible nightmare loop, and he was going around and around with it, powerless to stop.”
Reese's feelings of helplessness, his frustrated emotions of not being able to comprehend that the man he loved and admired could hit rock-bottom and not see how far he's fallen, despite his own methods of trying to send him help, his desperate plea to his mother not to abandon his father when he clearly can be okay if they're all together as a family - these feelings were conveyed with a lot of care and consideration, one where you could feel Reese's emotional struggles. 🥺 'It looked like help was out there, and it felt good to do something, even if it was small, to try to fix this huge mess they were all in.' He behaved and acted his age, which was convincing of how he retaliated in how he felt was the only way he knew how. His anger and resentment towards his mother felt believable, his distrust of anyone's innocent and helpful understanding, his dogged stubbornness not to enjoy his time with nature and the siblings was depicted with a realistic touch that I liked. What hit me strongest was the stark contrast between the siblings' situation with their own parents and Reese's troubles with his own. 😥
For, ultimately, this is a story about parents and their children - the consequences of their future choices that the kids have to live with. It is with a painful and heartbreaking closure that Reese, despite how flawed and troubled his own family struggles are, it pales in comparison to how Meg and Charlie have to live without. It made their friendship rekindle with a more gentle and sympathetic feeling of understanding. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 'And there it was: addicted. He had never said the word out loud, not even when talking to his mom.'The three of them find ways to bond that eventually allow Reese to trust his heart and open up to them, and find a way to be more upfront with his own friends that he was too afraid to share what his family was dealing with. That scene at school - Reese's shame and fear of what people would think about his father's erratic behavior, his mother's pleas of silence - visceral. 👍🏻
“You don’t think this is hard for me? Don’t you think I want everything to be okay with your father? I have been as worried about him as you.”
There was this one scene where I really teared up; it was just a quiet admission, but it hit me so hard, at how loss can appear in different ways and leave such a lingering hurt - how we cling to the happy memories - nothing left of their parents but these photos and stories' - to preserve our belief and hope that there will be a brighter side to this. That even if we feel alone now and only have this to hold onto, it does not mean that it can stay that way forever. They were silent tears, but those words really cut through me. 😢💔💔
Even though it is told only through Reese's eyes, Reese's mother plays an equally powerful and pivotal role; because, she, too is faced with the dilemma of watching the man she love fall apart, and knowing that she has to do what is best for her family, in order for them to still be a family - a longing for things to go back to the way they were, but knowing that was not the healthiest way for them to move forward. 'He thought he could watch his parents go around and around forever, like a dream that’s so good you never want to wake up.' 😞 Despite the hurtful way in which Reese wanted her to feel hurt for her actions, despite how she could eventually be swayed by the possible hope that her husband was on the track of being better, despite how he broke that trust when he crumbled again, it was always portrayed with such tender and believable honesty that I could not help but sympathize with her. She was trying - she was trying and it showed. 🫂
“He had wanted him to say that he had let Reese down horribly, terribly, the worst yet—but at last this was the wake-up call he needed to quit the drugs forever.”
Reese's father's addiction was not of his own doing; and perhaps, that is something that can draw sympathy and a relatable feeling from readers. He was a good man, who strayed; who strayed and did not realize till he lost everything he loved how far he had hit the lowest of depths. Reese seeing him broken and defeated was a bittersweet and harsh awakening, but it was a much needed one for him to better change his own life. 😟 His reaction was so honest and raw, but I knew in my heart, it was the only way for him to break free of that false belief that it would take more than words for his father to find the help he really needed for the three of them to be a happy and solid family again.
As much as it was a touching and moving read, there were a few points that prevented it from being a stellar one. I felt that a lot of creative ideas were bounced around, but they never really made a literal impact. I appreciated the inclusion of how Reese's mother was affected by her own childhood that allowed her to develop a deeper connection to the Methodist Church and having a stronger friendship with Mrs.Smith. So, I would have expected it to play a larger part in Reese finding a bit of comfort and strength from her relationship with it. I think it would have shown a more loving and forgiving side of Reese to find solace in something that aids his mother through difficult times. 😕 I also felt that at times the plot was meandering, with a slight lull in the middle that centered on scenes not quite necessary, which made the pacing of the story slow down. As much as I love Indian food (which is quite similar to Pakistani food - and I do cook a mean aloo gobi 😅), the attention to detail for that outing alone was a tad too much that it would draw one out of the story. 🙍🏻♀️
“But do you think you’re the only one stuck with a life that doesn’t look like it’s supposed to? Do you think you’re the only one who’s stuck with problems they can’t fix?
Do you think my life or Charlie’s life looks anything like we want?”
I did like Meg and Charlie's involvement in Reese's growth. Through their interactions, Reese was able to engage in different activities, appreciate nature, and even share in his own passion of basketball. As much as I felt they were a positive inclusion, I also felt too much time was spent on their own issues that somehow detracted from Reese's own problems. I get that it was a much needed distraction and a need for Reese to see that life has a way of going on for the better, but after a certain time, I was slightly bored; the emotional onslaught seemed less impactful as to when it started. 😔
Despite those few hurdles, it is an important and compassionate read; kids who are facing the same issues as Reese will relate to it, and also, hopefully, learn that they don't have to go through this difficult time alone either. And even if you may not consider reading Breaking into Sunlight, I still would like to share something the author included in the Author's Note. Dubbed the Seven Cs, it is a brief credo developed by counselor and author Jerry Moe, used by those who help kids cope with drug use and addiction in their families. But, I also feel that it is a promising and encouraging note that can assist anyone dealing with an emotionally challenging or physically or mentally harmful troubled part of their lives, that may not be related to addiction. 🤍
“I didn’t cause it.
I can’t control it.
I can’t cure it.
But
I can take care of myself
By communicating my feelings,
Making healthy choices,
And celebrating myself.”
“ No, because this was their secret—his and his mom and dad’s.
He didn’t want anyone to know about any of it.
The anger was like a fist inside his chest.”
Former journalist John Cochran's contemporary middle grade is a poignant and emotional debut that touches upon the onslaught of distress and turbulence that follows in the wake of parental addiction - how a parent has to do what they feel is best for their child and their family to keep them safe, while a young boy has to struggle with accepting the harsh and painful truth that as much as they hope the dark days can be put behind, sunlight can only break through tender healing and heartfelt connection. When North Carolina twelve-year-old Reese comes home during the last days of seventh grade, it is only to see his worst nightmare come to life - his father on the floor, unconscious and on the verge of death, after yet another opioid overdose.
After making the 911 call, Reese expects life to return back to normal, but his mother has an unflinching ultimatum: his father finds real help for his addiction, and until then, she and Reese won't be sticking around to see if he falls deeper into the depths of his substance dependency. 'I can’t help you at all if you won’t help yourself, and Reese and I cannot stand around and watch you do this to yourself. We won’t.' 😟 Furious that his mother is abandoning his father, during his time of need and fearful that it could happen again, Reese has no say in the matter when his mother has them move into a trailer near the blackwater river on the outskirts of town, where he befriends two siblings - Meg and Charlie. Who, grappling with their own palpable grief, help him discover and explore and heal the parts of himself that will not only help him better cope with the turbulent feelings he has towards his parents, but also with the gentle and compassionate reminder that he is not alone in facing the difficult challenges he has to face. 🙏🏻
“We’re staying with Dad,” he said.
“Reese, we’re going. Please. I need you to help me.”
“No,” he said. They were stuck in a horrible nightmare loop, and he was going around and around with it, powerless to stop.”
Reese's feelings of helplessness, his frustrated emotions of not being able to comprehend that the man he loved and admired could hit rock-bottom and not see how far he's fallen, despite his own methods of trying to send him help, his desperate plea to his mother not to abandon his father when he clearly can be okay if they're all together as a family - these feelings were conveyed with a lot of care and consideration, one where you could feel Reese's emotional struggles. 🥺 'It looked like help was out there, and it felt good to do something, even if it was small, to try to fix this huge mess they were all in.' He behaved and acted his age, which was convincing of how he retaliated in how he felt was the only way he knew how. His anger and resentment towards his mother felt believable, his distrust of anyone's innocent and helpful understanding, his dogged stubbornness not to enjoy his time with nature and the siblings was depicted with a realistic touch that I liked. What hit me strongest was the stark contrast between the siblings' situation with their own parents and Reese's troubles with his own. 😥
For, ultimately, this is a story about parents and their children - the consequences of their future choices that the kids have to live with. It is with a painful and heartbreaking closure that Reese, despite how flawed and troubled his own family struggles are, it pales in comparison to how Meg and Charlie have to live without. It made their friendship rekindle with a more gentle and sympathetic feeling of understanding. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 'And there it was: addicted. He had never said the word out loud, not even when talking to his mom.'The three of them find ways to bond that eventually allow Reese to trust his heart and open up to them, and find a way to be more upfront with his own friends that he was too afraid to share what his family was dealing with. That scene at school - Reese's shame and fear of what people would think about his father's erratic behavior, his mother's pleas of silence - visceral. 👍🏻
“You don’t think this is hard for me? Don’t you think I want everything to be okay with your father? I have been as worried about him as you.”
There was this one scene where I really teared up; it was just a quiet admission, but it hit me so hard, at how loss can appear in different ways and leave such a lingering hurt - how we cling to the happy memories - nothing left of their parents but these photos and stories' - to preserve our belief and hope that there will be a brighter side to this. That even if we feel alone now and only have this to hold onto, it does not mean that it can stay that way forever. They were silent tears, but those words really cut through me. 😢💔💔
Even though it is told only through Reese's eyes, Reese's mother plays an equally powerful and pivotal role; because, she, too is faced with the dilemma of watching the man she love fall apart, and knowing that she has to do what is best for her family, in order for them to still be a family - a longing for things to go back to the way they were, but knowing that was not the healthiest way for them to move forward. 'He thought he could watch his parents go around and around forever, like a dream that’s so good you never want to wake up.' 😞 Despite the hurtful way in which Reese wanted her to feel hurt for her actions, despite how she could eventually be swayed by the possible hope that her husband was on the track of being better, despite how he broke that trust when he crumbled again, it was always portrayed with such tender and believable honesty that I could not help but sympathize with her. She was trying - she was trying and it showed. 🫂
“He had wanted him to say that he had let Reese down horribly, terribly, the worst yet—but at last this was the wake-up call he needed to quit the drugs forever.”
Reese's father's addiction was not of his own doing; and perhaps, that is something that can draw sympathy and a relatable feeling from readers. He was a good man, who strayed; who strayed and did not realize till he lost everything he loved how far he had hit the lowest of depths. Reese seeing him broken and defeated was a bittersweet and harsh awakening, but it was a much needed one for him to better change his own life. 😟 His reaction was so honest and raw, but I knew in my heart, it was the only way for him to break free of that false belief that it would take more than words for his father to find the help he really needed for the three of them to be a happy and solid family again.
As much as it was a touching and moving read, there were a few points that prevented it from being a stellar one. I felt that a lot of creative ideas were bounced around, but they never really made a literal impact. I appreciated the inclusion of how Reese's mother was affected by her own childhood that allowed her to develop a deeper connection to the Methodist Church and having a stronger friendship with Mrs.Smith. So, I would have expected it to play a larger part in Reese finding a bit of comfort and strength from her relationship with it. I think it would have shown a more loving and forgiving side of Reese to find solace in something that aids his mother through difficult times. 😕 I also felt that at times the plot was meandering, with a slight lull in the middle that centered on scenes not quite necessary, which made the pacing of the story slow down. As much as I love Indian food (which is quite similar to Pakistani food - and I do cook a mean aloo gobi 😅), the attention to detail for that outing alone was a tad too much that it would draw one out of the story. 🙍🏻♀️
“But do you think you’re the only one stuck with a life that doesn’t look like it’s supposed to? Do you think you’re the only one who’s stuck with problems they can’t fix?
Do you think my life or Charlie’s life looks anything like we want?”
I did like Meg and Charlie's involvement in Reese's growth. Through their interactions, Reese was able to engage in different activities, appreciate nature, and even share in his own passion of basketball. As much as I felt they were a positive inclusion, I also felt too much time was spent on their own issues that somehow detracted from Reese's own problems. I get that it was a much needed distraction and a need for Reese to see that life has a way of going on for the better, but after a certain time, I was slightly bored; the emotional onslaught seemed less impactful as to when it started. 😔
Despite those few hurdles, it is an important and compassionate read; kids who are facing the same issues as Reese will relate to it, and also, hopefully, learn that they don't have to go through this difficult time alone either. And even if you may not consider reading Breaking into Sunlight, I still would like to share something the author included in the Author's Note. Dubbed the Seven Cs, it is a brief credo developed by counselor and author Jerry Moe, used by those who help kids cope with drug use and addiction in their families. But, I also feel that it is a promising and encouraging note that can assist anyone dealing with an emotionally challenging or physically or mentally harmful troubled part of their lives, that may not be related to addiction. 🤍
“I didn’t cause it.
I can’t control it.
I can’t cure it.
But
I can take care of myself
By communicating my feelings,
Making healthy choices,
And celebrating myself.”
June 8, 2024
In the category of middle-grade books that deal with heavy subject matter; here’s another one I can highly recommend.
We follow 12-year old Reese, who’s dad struggles with substance abuse. His world is turned upside down after the comes home from school one day and finds his dad unconscious on the floor after accidentally overdosing. The experience splits the family; his mum declaring this was the final straw, and declaring that she and Reese are leaving until Reese’s dad gets real help with his addiction. Meanwhile, Reese is trying to reconnect with his dad after what happens, and grieving the life they had before dad’s struggle began.
It’s a wonderful story that tackles the topic of addiction with a lot of care and compassion for all the different parties, and manages to portray it in a way that is understandable for younger readers. Books like this one matter; they can be incredibly powerful to kids who’re going through similar situations. Experiencing something like this is incredibly lonely, and recognizing yourself on the pages of a book can provide a little bit of support. Reese also shows perfectly how it’s possible to still involve your friends and be supported by them, even if they don’t have the same experiences as you do.
Two slight points of critique; the book is a little long and slow at times for the intended audience. Not every children’s book needs to be fast paced, but there were sections where I could see a 12-year olds attention wandering, and perhaps not picking the book back up again.
The second point is one from my own perspective as a medical professional. I was in awe of how incredibly well Reese acts in this medical emergency. He does exactly what I would wish every child could do: he calls 911 and his mum, gives the right information and waits with his dad for EMS to come. This is really impressive, and I would’ve wanted some recognition on page of how well he did. Throughout the first part of the story, Reese feels conflicted if he did the right thing and his mother, in her own shock immediately after the fact, reacts very flat and almost cold towards him. This is later addressed, but I really would’ve wanted some positive feedback a little earlies. Perhaps an EMT telling him how well he did.
Just in case: let me say it here and now. Reese (and any child that ever called 911 for their injured parent), you did something incredibly brave and smart and you are a hero. Don’t ever feel guilty for “not being able to do more”; you did the absolute best thing there was to do. You helped, and your parents are proud of you, whether they’re able to say it or not.
Many thanks to Algonquin Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
We follow 12-year old Reese, who’s dad struggles with substance abuse. His world is turned upside down after the comes home from school one day and finds his dad unconscious on the floor after accidentally overdosing. The experience splits the family; his mum declaring this was the final straw, and declaring that she and Reese are leaving until Reese’s dad gets real help with his addiction. Meanwhile, Reese is trying to reconnect with his dad after what happens, and grieving the life they had before dad’s struggle began.
It’s a wonderful story that tackles the topic of addiction with a lot of care and compassion for all the different parties, and manages to portray it in a way that is understandable for younger readers. Books like this one matter; they can be incredibly powerful to kids who’re going through similar situations. Experiencing something like this is incredibly lonely, and recognizing yourself on the pages of a book can provide a little bit of support. Reese also shows perfectly how it’s possible to still involve your friends and be supported by them, even if they don’t have the same experiences as you do.
Two slight points of critique; the book is a little long and slow at times for the intended audience. Not every children’s book needs to be fast paced, but there were sections where I could see a 12-year olds attention wandering, and perhaps not picking the book back up again.
The second point is one from my own perspective as a medical professional. I was in awe of how incredibly well Reese acts in this medical emergency. He does exactly what I would wish every child could do: he calls 911 and his mum, gives the right information and waits with his dad for EMS to come. This is really impressive, and I would’ve wanted some recognition on page of how well he did. Throughout the first part of the story, Reese feels conflicted if he did the right thing and his mother, in her own shock immediately after the fact, reacts very flat and almost cold towards him. This is later addressed, but I really would’ve wanted some positive feedback a little earlies. Perhaps an EMT telling him how well he did.
Just in case: let me say it here and now. Reese (and any child that ever called 911 for their injured parent), you did something incredibly brave and smart and you are a hero. Don’t ever feel guilty for “not being able to do more”; you did the absolute best thing there was to do. You helped, and your parents are proud of you, whether they’re able to say it or not.
Many thanks to Algonquin Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 21, 2024
Its a beautiful (and accurate) story addressing themes of addiction and recovery told from the perspective of a young, naive narrator. I would recommend it to any adolescent undergoing a similar experience as the protagonist, Reese (which unfortunately is a very popular experience). 5 stars.
June 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4. As his seventh grade year is winding down, Reese finds his dad unresponsive after school one day. It isn’t his first time, but it is the first time Reese is alone when it happens. His mom, fed up, takes Reese and relocates to a trailer on the farm of a lady she knows from church. It is there that Reese processes his anger at what is happening with his family, all while maintaining the face that everything is normal to his friends and classmates as he ends the year and starts summer. Once he realizes his situation isn’t changing, he lets himself get to know the grandkids who live with their grandparents on the farm, and who have their own traumatic past. Of course, Reese insists that this situation is temporary, and struggles with his parents being apart, until it takes something big for him to see just what it will take for his dad to actually get help. This is a book I can see as a window for some and sadly, a mirror for some students. Bonus points for cat content. Definitely recommend for grades 5-8. #mglit #librarian #librariansofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian
July 19, 2024
An emotional and powerful contemporary/realistic and relatable middle-grade.
There are middle grades that I recommend to only kids and others for the parents to read aloud with their kids, this one I recommend to three groups.
First: children who may relate to this situation of having parents facing the tragic outcomes of addiction. It is relatable and shows people are not alone.
Second: readers who have not yet experienced this, but by reading this slice of life they will grow up to be better prepared for the hardships of adulthood, parenthood, or accidental addition. It is educational.
Third: to the parents or to those who want to understand and help, to be kind to others who are living in family situations like this one. A way to see their side of the story and pain. Reese is angry and sad, he feels lost and guilty. He is depressed, anxious, and constantly in panic expecting that something worse may happen. He keeps his situation a secret, aggravating all. For a while, he can't enjoy life or being a child.
In any case, the message is for all - no one is alone, and people can help. The right people/community can help (help instead of discriminating). The author included useful contacts and information at the end of the book.
I am grateful to have read this novel. So many times I wished middle grades such as this existed while I was a teen, maybe that was one reason that led me to become a teacher.
I recommend this book to every school and library to be easy to access for those who can't get it elsewhere and may need it the most. It is a wonderful novel and made me feel strongly (from being mad at some characters to understanding, compassion, and feeling pride for the excellent character growth portrayed in Reese).
There are middle grades that I recommend to only kids and others for the parents to read aloud with their kids, this one I recommend to three groups.
First: children who may relate to this situation of having parents facing the tragic outcomes of addiction. It is relatable and shows people are not alone.
Second: readers who have not yet experienced this, but by reading this slice of life they will grow up to be better prepared for the hardships of adulthood, parenthood, or accidental addition. It is educational.
Third: to the parents or to those who want to understand and help, to be kind to others who are living in family situations like this one. A way to see their side of the story and pain. Reese is angry and sad, he feels lost and guilty. He is depressed, anxious, and constantly in panic expecting that something worse may happen. He keeps his situation a secret, aggravating all. For a while, he can't enjoy life or being a child.
In any case, the message is for all - no one is alone, and people can help. The right people/community can help (help instead of discriminating). The author included useful contacts and information at the end of the book.
I am grateful to have read this novel. So many times I wished middle grades such as this existed while I was a teen, maybe that was one reason that led me to become a teacher.
I recommend this book to every school and library to be easy to access for those who can't get it elsewhere and may need it the most. It is a wonderful novel and made me feel strongly (from being mad at some characters to understanding, compassion, and feeling pride for the excellent character growth portrayed in Reese).
January 24, 2024
A poignant message with a sweet voice, this debut aches in the best way. An insightful dive into complex family dynamics and a wonderful representation of the inner life of a young person, John Cochran gives middle-graders and adults alike something to connect with and love.
March 5, 2024
ARC provided by the publisher at NCTE
Reese's father Sam has been struggling with opiod addiction ever since being injured on his job as an electrician. His mother Amanda works at a Kwik Stop, and lately his father has been better. The three have gone roller skating and on other outings, and it's starting to feel like life is looking up. However, Reese comes home one day to find his father passed out in the hallway, barely breathing. He calls 911 and his mother, and his father makes it to the hospital in time, but almost dies. When he is released, Amanda demands that Sam go into rehab, and when he won't, she tells him that she and Reese are moving out. She's met a woman at church, Mrs. Smith, who has a trailer on her farm, and she and Reese move there. Mrs. Smith and her husband are caring for their grandchildren, Meg and Charlie, after their parents were both killed in an auto accident. Charlie is a child with Down syndrome who loves cats, and Meg, while she wants to be supportive of Reese, is struggling with her own issues. It's summer, so there's plenty to do around the farm, but Reese just wants to go back to his father and the family's apartment. He sends his father links to different rehab facilities, and things are looking better. After not quite two weeks, Amanda is thinking about returning, but Mrs. Smith cautions her to give it more time. Sam starts big preparations for Reece's thirteenth birthday, and things seem to be looking up. Will things end well, or will Reese have more to contend with?
Strengths: I don't want to spoil the ending, but opiod addiction is not a simple matter, so there are some more challenges! This was a painfully realistic look at how opioid addiction effects families, and especially children. Reese's emotions are realistic, and he wants to believe in his father. I loved that the mother was doing well at her job despite the struggles she faced in her personal life. Mrs. and Mr. Smith were great characters who had their own struggles but were still willing to help out.
Weaknesses: This was a little on the long side for middle grade. There were a lot of details that didn't forward the plot that could have been removed or shortened, like the dinner at the Indian restaurant or some of the interactions with the cats.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to explore what it is like to live with a parent who is struggling with addiction and found books like Dee's Violets are Blue or Bowling's Across the Desert interesting.
Reese's father Sam has been struggling with opiod addiction ever since being injured on his job as an electrician. His mother Amanda works at a Kwik Stop, and lately his father has been better. The three have gone roller skating and on other outings, and it's starting to feel like life is looking up. However, Reese comes home one day to find his father passed out in the hallway, barely breathing. He calls 911 and his mother, and his father makes it to the hospital in time, but almost dies. When he is released, Amanda demands that Sam go into rehab, and when he won't, she tells him that she and Reese are moving out. She's met a woman at church, Mrs. Smith, who has a trailer on her farm, and she and Reese move there. Mrs. Smith and her husband are caring for their grandchildren, Meg and Charlie, after their parents were both killed in an auto accident. Charlie is a child with Down syndrome who loves cats, and Meg, while she wants to be supportive of Reese, is struggling with her own issues. It's summer, so there's plenty to do around the farm, but Reese just wants to go back to his father and the family's apartment. He sends his father links to different rehab facilities, and things are looking better. After not quite two weeks, Amanda is thinking about returning, but Mrs. Smith cautions her to give it more time. Sam starts big preparations for Reece's thirteenth birthday, and things seem to be looking up. Will things end well, or will Reese have more to contend with?
Strengths: I don't want to spoil the ending, but opiod addiction is not a simple matter, so there are some more challenges! This was a painfully realistic look at how opioid addiction effects families, and especially children. Reese's emotions are realistic, and he wants to believe in his father. I loved that the mother was doing well at her job despite the struggles she faced in her personal life. Mrs. and Mr. Smith were great characters who had their own struggles but were still willing to help out.
Weaknesses: This was a little on the long side for middle grade. There were a lot of details that didn't forward the plot that could have been removed or shortened, like the dinner at the Indian restaurant or some of the interactions with the cats.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to explore what it is like to live with a parent who is struggling with addiction and found books like Dee's Violets are Blue or Bowling's Across the Desert interesting.
June 18, 2024
"Breaking Into Sunlight" by John Cochran addresses a poignant and often overlooked topic: the experience of a child growing up with a parent struggling with drug abuse. By bringing this theme to a middle-grade audience, Cochran opens up vital possibilities for young readers to see themselves in the story and realize they are not alone in their struggles. The book provides a crucial perspective for children who may feel isolated and ashamed of their home situations, showing them that there is hope and help available.
The protagonist, Reese, embodies the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that often accompany having a parent with an addiction. His journey of feeling alone and unable to share his devastation with anyone is depicted with great sensitivity. As Reese begins to open up to his new friends, who are facing their own challenges, the story beautifully illustrates the importance of connection and support. The slow pace of the book effectively mirrors Reese's own gradual process of reaching out, finding help, and growing hope. This realistic portrayal emphasizes that healing and finding support do not happen overnight but through steady progress and the courage to reach out.
Cochran's narrative is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The depiction of Reese’s dad as someone who is sick and needs help to get better is communicated with compassion. The story emphasizes that recovery is a personal journey and that Reese’s father must choose to get the help he needs. This nuanced portrayal helps young readers understand the complexities of addiction and the importance of seeking assistance.
"Breaking Into Sunlight" is a powerful voice in middle-grade literature. It offers a message of courage and resilience, encouraging children to speak up and find safety and support. The story of Reese and his family is a testament to the possibility of overcoming adversity and finding a way back to love and unity. This book is a valuable resource for young readers dealing with similar issues and a reminder that they are not alone in their experiences.
"Breaking Into Sunlight" is a must-read, shedding light on a difficult subject with grace and understanding.
The protagonist, Reese, embodies the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that often accompany having a parent with an addiction. His journey of feeling alone and unable to share his devastation with anyone is depicted with great sensitivity. As Reese begins to open up to his new friends, who are facing their own challenges, the story beautifully illustrates the importance of connection and support. The slow pace of the book effectively mirrors Reese's own gradual process of reaching out, finding help, and growing hope. This realistic portrayal emphasizes that healing and finding support do not happen overnight but through steady progress and the courage to reach out.
Cochran's narrative is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The depiction of Reese’s dad as someone who is sick and needs help to get better is communicated with compassion. The story emphasizes that recovery is a personal journey and that Reese’s father must choose to get the help he needs. This nuanced portrayal helps young readers understand the complexities of addiction and the importance of seeking assistance.
"Breaking Into Sunlight" is a powerful voice in middle-grade literature. It offers a message of courage and resilience, encouraging children to speak up and find safety and support. The story of Reese and his family is a testament to the possibility of overcoming adversity and finding a way back to love and unity. This book is a valuable resource for young readers dealing with similar issues and a reminder that they are not alone in their experiences.
"Breaking Into Sunlight" is a must-read, shedding light on a difficult subject with grace and understanding.
June 18, 2024
I became intrigued with John Cochran’s account in Writer’s Digest in the “Breaking In” column with his move from journalism to writing a novel for middle graders and requested an Advance Reading Copy of Breaking Into Sunlight from Net Galley. Two things that he noted struck a chord with me. He credited his journalism background for preparation for editing and for accepting criticism. Then he went on to emphasize how important a writing community becomes. I would agree with both adding the caveat that my years as a junior high language arts teacher would substitute for his journalism experience.
His novel covers seventh-grader Reese’s story as he deals with an addicted father. He is torn between his sympathy for his mother who works and tries to maintain a home and his yearning to be with his fun-loving father. His firm belief that his father would be helped if he and his mother remain with him contrasts sharply with her need to keep Reese safe and compel his father to face his demons. Reese also wants to keep his family troubles private so others don’t look down on him.
John Cochran writes a middle grade novel that rings true as Reese deals with the changes his father’s addiction bring to his life and the discovery that he is not alone in having a family that falls short of perfect.
Advertising for the book states that one in eight kids live with a parent with a substance-abuse problem. This makes this book really pertinent to our times and a very good discussion starter for those young people who are trying to figure out the best way to deal with the hand that life has given them.
His novel covers seventh-grader Reese’s story as he deals with an addicted father. He is torn between his sympathy for his mother who works and tries to maintain a home and his yearning to be with his fun-loving father. His firm belief that his father would be helped if he and his mother remain with him contrasts sharply with her need to keep Reese safe and compel his father to face his demons. Reese also wants to keep his family troubles private so others don’t look down on him.
John Cochran writes a middle grade novel that rings true as Reese deals with the changes his father’s addiction bring to his life and the discovery that he is not alone in having a family that falls short of perfect.
Advertising for the book states that one in eight kids live with a parent with a substance-abuse problem. This makes this book really pertinent to our times and a very good discussion starter for those young people who are trying to figure out the best way to deal with the hand that life has given them.
July 2, 2024
“Then he got a good look at his dad’s face: His eyes were closed. His skin was pale, his lips a little blue. Reese knew right away what had happened, because he had seen it before.”
Reese’s dad is addicted to OxyContin, and he’s not getting better, in spite of all his promises. Reese’s mother has had enough; she takes Reese to stay on a farm outside their small town in eastern North Carolina. It’s the end of 7th grade, and Reese is about to turn 13–but everything is ruined, and he can’t fix it, no matter how hard he tries. He hates what’s happening.
Also living on the farm are two orphans, Meg and Charlie, DC-area kids who lost their parents in a car crash. Like Reese, they’re stuck in a situation they didn’t create and can’t control.
The book does a beautiful job handling tough subjects—what it’s like to have a close family member who struggles with addiction, and how hard it is when you lose your family. But it’s also a story about friendship and summer. A river runs behind the farm, and Reese and Meg and Charlie swim and hang out and explore as they’re trying to find a way through the heartache—and it’s a story about how to say you’re sorry and make amends. Highly recommended.
This middle-grade novel has gotten raves from School Library Journal and Kirkus, and was named one of the 10 best picks of summer/fall 2024 by the American Booksellers Association. It deserves all the accolades, and I hope it finds many readers.
P.S. I also admire how the book handles Charlie, a tender-hearted kid with Down syndrome. I have a cousin with Down syndrome, and the portrayal of Charlie feels exactly right to me.
Reese’s dad is addicted to OxyContin, and he’s not getting better, in spite of all his promises. Reese’s mother has had enough; she takes Reese to stay on a farm outside their small town in eastern North Carolina. It’s the end of 7th grade, and Reese is about to turn 13–but everything is ruined, and he can’t fix it, no matter how hard he tries. He hates what’s happening.
Also living on the farm are two orphans, Meg and Charlie, DC-area kids who lost their parents in a car crash. Like Reese, they’re stuck in a situation they didn’t create and can’t control.
The book does a beautiful job handling tough subjects—what it’s like to have a close family member who struggles with addiction, and how hard it is when you lose your family. But it’s also a story about friendship and summer. A river runs behind the farm, and Reese and Meg and Charlie swim and hang out and explore as they’re trying to find a way through the heartache—and it’s a story about how to say you’re sorry and make amends. Highly recommended.
This middle-grade novel has gotten raves from School Library Journal and Kirkus, and was named one of the 10 best picks of summer/fall 2024 by the American Booksellers Association. It deserves all the accolades, and I hope it finds many readers.
P.S. I also admire how the book handles Charlie, a tender-hearted kid with Down syndrome. I have a cousin with Down syndrome, and the portrayal of Charlie feels exactly right to me.
September 4, 2024
Trigger Warnings: parent drug use, parent addiction, overdose
Reese is a seventh-grader who loves drawing, basketball, and his parents. But one day after school, Reese comes home to his worst nightmare - his dad on the floor, lips turning blue, overdosed. Again. After calling 911 and getting his dad help, Reese expects everything to go on like it did the last time, but for his mom, this was the breaking point. Until Reese’s dad really gets the help that he needs, Reese and his mom are leaving, moving into a rundown trailer outside of town. Reese is furious with his mom for leaving his dad when he needs them, scared for his dad who’s not answering calls or texts, and terrified his friends will find out his family’s biggest secret.
But then he meets Meg and Charlie, siblings who have also been stranded by circumstances outside of their control. As the trio get to know more about each other, Reese discovers beauty and joy in nature - especially the river down the pathway of the property they are staying at. His dad also seems to be doing better and is talking with his mom again. But how long can these good times last?
This middle grade book deals with a heavy topic matter - parent addiction, and it does so with compassionate care for all parties. This allowed Reese to go through and process his emotions, between anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, and everything in between. Addiction is a topic that unfortunately tends to be treated like it needs to be hidden and to be ashamed about. What Reese and his family go through will really relate to children who may be going through something similar.
I am so happy I got to read this novel, and to know that it exists in the world for younger readers so they don’t feel alone - and for those who haven’t experienced it, to open the door of understanding. Even though it is for younger readers, I do see older readers, and adults getting something out of this read too.
*Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Reese is a seventh-grader who loves drawing, basketball, and his parents. But one day after school, Reese comes home to his worst nightmare - his dad on the floor, lips turning blue, overdosed. Again. After calling 911 and getting his dad help, Reese expects everything to go on like it did the last time, but for his mom, this was the breaking point. Until Reese’s dad really gets the help that he needs, Reese and his mom are leaving, moving into a rundown trailer outside of town. Reese is furious with his mom for leaving his dad when he needs them, scared for his dad who’s not answering calls or texts, and terrified his friends will find out his family’s biggest secret.
But then he meets Meg and Charlie, siblings who have also been stranded by circumstances outside of their control. As the trio get to know more about each other, Reese discovers beauty and joy in nature - especially the river down the pathway of the property they are staying at. His dad also seems to be doing better and is talking with his mom again. But how long can these good times last?
This middle grade book deals with a heavy topic matter - parent addiction, and it does so with compassionate care for all parties. This allowed Reese to go through and process his emotions, between anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, and everything in between. Addiction is a topic that unfortunately tends to be treated like it needs to be hidden and to be ashamed about. What Reese and his family go through will really relate to children who may be going through something similar.
I am so happy I got to read this novel, and to know that it exists in the world for younger readers so they don’t feel alone - and for those who haven’t experienced it, to open the door of understanding. Even though it is for younger readers, I do see older readers, and adults getting something out of this read too.
*Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 12, 2024
Every kid deserves a loving, secure home life. And 12-year-old Reese craves that stability more than anything. Unfortunately, that isn’t his reality. His father—a fun, friendly dad—is addicted to pain pills. A near-fatal overdose breaks the family apart. Reese and his mom go to live on a farm with the Smith family and their grandchildren, Meg and Charlie. Reese struggles to adjust to a new life that he neither wanted nor had any role in creating.
Breaking into Sunlight is a wonderful, heartfelt story of a child trying to keep his head above water. Reese is a highly sympathetic main character. It’s hard not to feel for a young person whose entire life has been uprooted.
But there are no villains here—just troubled, imperfect people. Just as Reese’s father must repair the damage he has done to his family, Reese himself makes mistakes that he must fix. The characters in Breaking into Sunlight feel deeply human, in the best possible ways. It’s a tribute to author John Cochran’s skill in crafting them.
Cochran also doesn’t forget his YA audience. While Breaking into Sunlight certainly can be enjoyed by older readers, it speaks directly to a young audience. This novel never loses sight of what it’s like to be a kid—to depend on one’s parents for guidance and how difficult it can be when such wisdom isn’t forthcoming. It’s a story filled with empathy—and one I would highly recommend.
Breaking into Sunlight is a wonderful, heartfelt story of a child trying to keep his head above water. Reese is a highly sympathetic main character. It’s hard not to feel for a young person whose entire life has been uprooted.
But there are no villains here—just troubled, imperfect people. Just as Reese’s father must repair the damage he has done to his family, Reese himself makes mistakes that he must fix. The characters in Breaking into Sunlight feel deeply human, in the best possible ways. It’s a tribute to author John Cochran’s skill in crafting them.
Cochran also doesn’t forget his YA audience. While Breaking into Sunlight certainly can be enjoyed by older readers, it speaks directly to a young audience. This novel never loses sight of what it’s like to be a kid—to depend on one’s parents for guidance and how difficult it can be when such wisdom isn’t forthcoming. It’s a story filled with empathy—and one I would highly recommend.
September 4, 2024
Reese Buck (12) is looking forward to spending his summer playing basketball with Tony anc Ryan and drawing, but things take a serious turn the week before school ends for the summer. Reese finds his father unconcious from an opiod overdose in the bathroom and he has to call 911. This isn't the first time this has happened, and for Reese's mother, this was a final straw. She moves her and Reese to a trailer in the country on the land of her church friends, the Smiths, and tells Reese's father to get into rehab, get clean, and then they'll come home. Reese struggles with the isolantion, the fear of leaving his father alone, and the anger that is growing inside him from the whole situation - at his mother, his father, himself. He makes friends with Meg and Charlie (who has Down Syndrome), the Smith's grandchildren they raise. The story follows the family's ups and downs in this harrowing situation, one created by a work injury and the addiction to the pain pills, and the mother making a hard, wise decision to separate the family until the father gest the help he needs. Reese's anger and the mistakes he makes because of it, of his family's situation, feel real and understandable, even as he pushes away Meg and Charlie that are his new friends. Tony and Ryan, though present in the beginning of the book, just disappear until they are needed at the end of the book which left that plot thread unexplored.
June 18, 2024
I was excited to pick up a middle-grade book again. I find they tend to approach tough, real-life topics with an insightful perspective. 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 is a great example of this.
Reese is a seventh grader who loves to play basketball and draw, but his dad is struggling with addiction.
I liked that this book did not diminish the truth of addiction but showed that there is help and that people care.
Reese was already seeing the strain on his mom and dad’s relationship, plus he had to hide his dad’s behavior and problems from his friends. But it is incredibly scary when Reese is the one to find his dad passed out from an overdose, and he must call 911.
This is so well written - a very timely and important book. Not only does it show the impact that addiction has on a family, but it also articulates how important community and friendships are for healing. Kids need to be able to talk with others about their feelings and experiences, especially to others who may have had similar experiences.
This would be an excellent read for not just middle-schoolers but also parents.
Thank you @Algonquinyr for a gifted book.
June 26, 2024
Have your tissues ready! This is a really meaningful and thought provoking book for young readers and for adults too! Addiction is a horrible disease. It affects everyone who comes in contact with the addict, especially their children. I’ve seen it first hand during my 17 years as an ER nurse.
I thought the author did a great job with Reese’s character. I immediately felt for him and his situation. The feeling of being torn between your parents. Having to hide your home life from your friends for fear of embarrassment. The book also weaves in feelings of hope. It really does take a village to rally around the addict and their family.
I highly recommend reading the author’s note! It is especially powerful! I definitely recommend reading this book if you’re looking for a book for young readers that deals with addiction, family, and juggling the typical struggles of being a middle schooler.
I thought the author did a great job with Reese’s character. I immediately felt for him and his situation. The feeling of being torn between your parents. Having to hide your home life from your friends for fear of embarrassment. The book also weaves in feelings of hope. It really does take a village to rally around the addict and their family.
I highly recommend reading the author’s note! It is especially powerful! I definitely recommend reading this book if you’re looking for a book for young readers that deals with addiction, family, and juggling the typical struggles of being a middle schooler.
October 16, 2024
I've read a few books this year about kids dealing with parents' addictions, and this one just didn't hit as hard as some of the other books did. Other than moving out of their apartment, Reese's mom and he didn't have too much trauma around his dad's pill addiction. It was mentioned that the dad had problems in the past, and Reese came home one day to find his dad had overdosed, but that was it. Much later in the book, the dad once again passes out (the day of Reece's birthday celebration) and finally agrees to get help. Reese's mom remains loving and committed to helping her husband, which was actually kind of uplifting to me... usually there's been so much toxicity in the relationship because of the addict's behaviors that the spouse isn't in a place to be supportive, but she was. This book just didn't pack the emotional punch I'm used to from books exploring this topic for middle schoolers.
January 3, 2026
Breaking Into Sunlight is a book we needed for kids. This story touches on substance use disorder and the effect on kids from the eyes of Reese, a 13 year old 7th grader. It touches on how he feels, how he tries to hide his family's secret, how he wants so badly to keep his parents together. It is also a story of friendship and realizing that we do not have control over everything and sometimes we just have to accept the way things and figure out how to live with how life turns out.
This is a well written, well thought out book which has done a great job (in my opinion) of tackling this topic. A book to read as a parent, a counselor, a kid or a teacher, You just never know who substance use disorder is going to touch and it affects not only the person with the disorder, but so many other people. I really liked this book, I finished it in less than 2 days. Written with a boy as the main character, I think even a girl would easily to relate the way the book was written.
This is a well written, well thought out book which has done a great job (in my opinion) of tackling this topic. A book to read as a parent, a counselor, a kid or a teacher, You just never know who substance use disorder is going to touch and it affects not only the person with the disorder, but so many other people. I really liked this book, I finished it in less than 2 days. Written with a boy as the main character, I think even a girl would easily to relate the way the book was written.
June 18, 2025
(Actual rating: 3.5 stars)
This book follows a trope that I have seen from several other books from this pd project list, the kid with a parent struggling with addiction. I do not think that it's a bad thing to have a multitude of these stories. However, I think that it's vital to tell these stories well and this one did not quite hit that mark. I think that this particular narrator of the audiobook did the narrative a disservice. His narration felt flat and a bit emotionless which added to the difficulty of connecting to the story. Perhaps if I had read the book physically, I would have been able to connect with the main character a little bit more. I do not think that this is a bad book or that it made an egregious error in the depiction. It simply, and unfortunately, fell flat.
This book follows a trope that I have seen from several other books from this pd project list, the kid with a parent struggling with addiction. I do not think that it's a bad thing to have a multitude of these stories. However, I think that it's vital to tell these stories well and this one did not quite hit that mark. I think that this particular narrator of the audiobook did the narrative a disservice. His narration felt flat and a bit emotionless which added to the difficulty of connecting to the story. Perhaps if I had read the book physically, I would have been able to connect with the main character a little bit more. I do not think that this is a bad book or that it made an egregious error in the depiction. It simply, and unfortunately, fell flat.
September 23, 2024
Reese's family has struggled for a long time with his father's addiction to prescription painkillers after his work-related accident. Reese's dad has tried many times to pull himself out of addiction, but he keeps falling back into old habits. Now matters have come to a head, and Reese's mother has moved her and Reese out of the apartment until Reese's father decides to accept professional help. Reese is confused and resentful and, above all, afraid that without his family around him, his dad will overdose and die. How Reese and his family navigate this often heartbreaking path toward recovery makes for engrossing reading.
July 6, 2024
Breaking Into Sunlight takes us on an important journey through the eyes of Reese, a contemporary twelve-year-old boy in eastern North Carolina. Reese must deal with the repercussions of his father's addiction to pain killers and the challenges it brings. As the story progressed and the situation to change rapidly, I was concerned for Reese and his mother as well as the family that helped them. Preteens, teens, and parents will find Breaking Into Sunlight a compassionate and interesting way to approach conversations about issues they may see in their day-to-day lives.
July 16, 2024
I hope every reader, child or adult, who needs this message, finds this book. It is sad, but also hopeful. I think it did gloss over the most harsh realities, but it leaves readers with an understanding that hard decisions have to be made, but there are people to help and a path forward. Vital book. It would have earned an additional star, except for the depiction of Charlie. I didn't understand why the character had a disability. Was it a fair representation?
August 20, 2024
After Reese finds his father unconscious after an overdose, his Mom takes Reese and moves out. She gives his dad an ultimatum: get treatment now. Reese is mad at his mom and mad at his mom’s church friend, Mrs. Smith, who provides them a place to stay on her farm. Slowly Reese comes to befriend the Smith grandchildren – who’ve experienced their own trauma – while coming to terms with his father’s illness. A powerful story that will (sadly) resonate with many.
August 18, 2025
heartwrenching depiction of addiction and how it victimizes whole families,and the complicated emotions revolving around that. the feeling of "if he loved me, why can't he stop?" from reese about his father was so well portrayed and just pulled at me so much. i was happy to see reese's dad was not portrayed as a villain, not at all, but as a complicated man. it was so very human, just so good, and i'm glad kids will get to read this.
October 10, 2025
Rating g+ mild profanity, adult drug addiction.
Recommend: jh and up realistic fiction.
I liked this book because it does not wrap up all happy hunky-dory in the end. There are things in kids’ lives that they cannot change and they have to live with. This book acknowledges that, shows kids and adults handling it badly and well, and shows how to stand with one another when things are too hard to fix.
Author includes recommendations for professional help in the author’s note.
Recommend: jh and up realistic fiction.
I liked this book because it does not wrap up all happy hunky-dory in the end. There are things in kids’ lives that they cannot change and they have to live with. This book acknowledges that, shows kids and adults handling it badly and well, and shows how to stand with one another when things are too hard to fix.
Author includes recommendations for professional help in the author’s note.
October 1, 2024
According to the author’s note, 8.7 million young people under the age of 18, 1 in 8, are living with a parent who has a drug or alcohol problem. That is 2-3 per classroom. This book is for them as the main character Reese finds his dad after school overdosed, near death. This book shows how he deals with the shame, the desire to fix his dad, and the wish for his family to be whole.
October 11, 2024
This is an excellent must read for kids approx. 4th & up. Please purchase this title for your school library! Sadly, Breaking into sunlight would be very controversial in my school district because it deals with several real world situations. Thankfully, it won't be on the radar for a while as it does not have any mention of sex or gender!!
5+ stars for the intended audience
5+ stars for the intended audience
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2024
Wonderful story of one family dealing with addiction and another with a tremendous tragedy. Reese just wants his life to go back to normal while Meg and Charlie are trying to create their own new normal. This book is an emotional roller coaster that will leave you wanting more.
August 28, 2024
Absolutely loved this book about Reese and mom having to leave their dad who has an addiction. They go to live in a friend’s trailer where Reese meets Meg & Charlie who has Down syndrome. #support #anger
September 15, 2024
4.5 stars - I really liked the emotional portrayal of MC Reese. I felt on the journey with him. I really liked Charlie and his cats/kittens. This book is a good story about adults with addiction but for middle grade ages. I’m sad that so many kids have to deal with this issue in their lives.
November 17, 2024
This story deals with the tough topic of addiction. What do you do when the person who claims to love and care for you most continues to choose to turn to harmful substances? This is a powerful read about the disease of addiction and how the lives of children are impacted.
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