Tracktown Summer by Elizabeth HolmesThis is the summer that Jake meets Adrian and nothing will ever be the same. Jake is finally visiting his father after his parents separation and has conflicting emotions about being with his dad. Adrian has a secret about his own father that he is desperate to keep. As the summer continues, both boys discover what friendship is and that every family has their own problems.
The constant rumbling of the train going past sets the routine for their summer days and mirror the emotions of both boys. Holmes explores complex issus of separation, abandonment, mental illness, anger management and the importance of a true friend. The ending is neither trite or wrapped up neatly- just like real life.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
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I had a hard time putting this book down, especially near the end. The story becomes increasingly absorbing, and the main characters are realistic, complex, and well developed. My rating: 4.5 out of 5.