This title is a Joan's Pick.

Books that confront life head on, and face up to some of the issues that real people face can be hugely powerful - and boy, is this one of them.

It's the story of Violet and Theodore, two broken kids who come together - each of them looking for a way out - out of their small town, their histories there, and life - and in the process discover things about themselves and their landscape which change the way they see the world. They team up on a school project to go looking for all the natural wonders of their State (and you can go looking too - they all exist, and a Google search provides a huge amount of extra background) - but the warmth and wit and charm of their growing friendship doesn't hide the fact that as Violet's world grows, Theodore's shrinks. These are kids on a knife edge, looking out for each other in the best way they can - but is it enough?

Love and affection, depression and mental illness, and finding meaning and beauty in the smallest of things - they're all here. And it's not dismal. This book touched my heart and made me laugh and cry and say again and again, to anyone who'd listen - this is a wonderful book, and you must read it. You really must. Joan.

• Format: Paperback / softback
• Publication Date: 07/01/2015
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
• Country of Origin: United Kingdom
• Pages: 432
• Dimensions (mm): 197x127x27mm
• Weight: 301g