Crime: General,Crime: Theft,Discrimination: Sexism,Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco: Drug Use/Abuse,Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco: Underage Use,Language: Racial or Ethnic Epithet/Slur,Language: Strong Language,Sexual Content: Strong Sexual Content/Themes,Violence: Cruelty to Animals,Violence: Sexual Assault/Rape
Jamie Wyckoff (nickname: Punkzilla) is a fourteen-year-old runaway in Portland, Oregon, when he gets a letter that will change his life. Jamie's older brother has cancer, and he wants to see Jamie one last time before he dies. Jamie boards a bus to Memphis with nothing but a duffel, a notebook, and a talent for attracting trouble. Along the way he meets a series of strangers-some kind, some treacherous-and worries: Will he get to his brother in time to say good-bye? A 2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Book.
Topics Letters. Buses. Bus passengers. Drug use. Gangs. Stealing. Portland, Oregon. Cheap hotels. Scams. Sexual acts. Prostitutes. Church. Objectification of women. Christmas. Giving gifts. Identity. Saying goodbye. Brothers. Running away. Artists. Cancer. Coming out of the closet. Homophobia. Military academies. Failure. Bullies. Planning for the future. Parents. Overbearing fathers. Viagra. Hitchhiking. Sexual predators. Gender. Muggings. Concussions. Kindness of strangers. Hiding. Science fiction. God. Truck stops. Diabetes. Trans-gendered people. Transgender operations. Photographers. Rejection. Drifters. Divorced couples. Learning to drive. Lupus. Being left behind. Death. Grief. Funerals.
SRC Level 12.900000
SRC Points 14.000000
Lexile 1200L
Trim Size 4 7/8" x 7 9/16"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Publication date 2009-05-11
JLG Release Date Jul 2009
Minimum grade 11
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Mature Young Adult Plus (Grades 11 & Up)
Mature Young Adult Plus
Mature Young Adult Plus (Grades 11 & Up)
For Grades 11 & Up
Filled with stimulating nonfiction and can't-put-it-down fiction, this category is perfect for bridging the gap between young adult and adult reading. Take note: these 14 selections often contain mature situations and language that could be considered controversial.
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