A heartbreaking story, narrated by twelve-year-old Jack, whose family is caring for fourteen-year-old Joseph. Joseph is misunderstood. He was incarcerated for trying to kill a teacher. Or so the rumours say. But Jack and his family see something others in town don’t want to.
What's more, Joseph has a daughter he’s never seen. The two boys go on a journey through the bitter Maine winter to help Joseph find his baby - no matter the cost.

Prizes

Short-listed for UKLA Book Award 2018 (UK),Long-listed for CILIP Carnegie Medal 2018 (UK)

One of the most beautiful books I have ever read -- Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places
Schmidt provokes tears, despite his underplayed prose, with a tone and directness reminiscent of John Steinbeck. -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week *
A deeply affecting story of love and loss that sympathetically reflects the intensity of adolescence. -- Julia Eccleshare * Guardian *
A YA novella about love and friendship and loyalty... be prepared to be moved * Telegraph, The best young adult books of 2016 *
Schmidt writes with an elegant simplicity in this paean to the power of love * Kirkus, starred review *

Gary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books and one Printz Honor award. He lives on a farm in Michigan and has six children. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College.