The Echo Park Castaways [9780062427694]

Overview

From the author of The Other Boy comes a poignant and heartfelt novel that explores what it means to be a family. Perfect for fans of Counting by 7s.

Nevaeh, Vic, and Mara are veterans of the Los Angeles foster care system. For over a year they’ve been staying with Mrs. K in Echo Park. Vic spends most of his time living in a dream world, Mara barely speaks, and Nevaeh is forced to act as a back-up parent. Though their situation isn’t ideal, it’s still their best home yet.

Then Child Protective Services places Quentin in the house, and everything is turned upside down. Nevaeh really can’t handle watching over anyone else, especially a boy on the autism spectrum. Meanwhile, Quentin is having trouble adjusting and attempts to run away.

So when Vic realizes Quentin just wants to see his mom again, he plans an “epic quest” to reunite them. It could result in the foster siblings getting sent to different group homes. But isn’t family always worth the risk?

• Found Family: Thirteen-year-old Nevaeh is the reluctant mom, eleven-year-old Vic is the resident dreamer, and quiet Mara is the heart. They aren’t related by blood, but they might be the only family they’ve ever known.
• Neurodiversity for Kids: When Quentin, a boy on the autism spectrum, joins the house, his arrival challenges everyone. This heartfelt story explores autism and ADHD with compassion and authenticity.
• A Cross-City Quest: To help Quentin find his mom, Vic plans a daring journey across Los Angeles. From city buses to street fairs, it’s an adventure that will test their bond and change their lives.
• High Stakes and Heart: Their unsanctioned trip could get them separated forever. It’s a powerful, emotional read about the risks we take for the people we love.