Home Truths — Jill MacLean

Brick's home life is a horror show. His dad has a temper, and his mom's self-absorbed and leaves the care of his little sister to Brick. It's no wonder Brick has to let off some steam of his own once in a while. The day he turns sixteen, Brick's out of there. This summer he's going to take up Mr. Larkin's offer of work, even though he's been forbidden to “fraternize with the neighbors.” And he's going to earn enough money to escape. But who will his dad turn to when he doesn't have a son to kick around anymore?