Jerk, California

Jonathan Friesen delivers a nuanced, critically acclaimed debut with this affecting tale of fathers and sons. High schooler Sam's struggle with Tourette's syndrome is made more difficult by Old Bill, his abusive stepfather who kicks Sam out of the home following graduation. When Sam meets a friend of his dead father, however, he begins a journey toward understanding that might also help him accept who he is.

“The story is compelling ... and the excitement of [Sam's] journey [keeps] readers turning the pages to see what's around the bend.”-School Library Journal