Hopkins’ use of free verse provides a canvas for sure-handed, brush-stroke development of the backstory and plot and emotional investment and identification with the characters. Practical and more certain of herself, Hannah’s poems with the header “Definition” are a jumping-off point for sharing glimpses into a more physically and emotionally privileged childhood. Imaginative Cal describes the world in terms of “Fact or Fiction,” his statements and answers offering sometimes wryly ambiguous observations of his experience. Brief chapters in the first-person voices of Cal and Hannah reveal their divergent personalities. Cal suffers from PTSD and a defensive kind of vigilance while Hannah resents that Cal’s peculiar behavior makes him a target at school. Cal’s life has been filled with the loss of his mother at age 9 followed by a period of abuse and neglect by his now-imprisoned father. Hannah, a gymnast and dancer, has enjoyed stability, attention, and affection from her parents. The two share a mean-spirited, alcoholic grandmother their Italian heritage and red hair. Sixth grade cousins learn to navigate complicated family dynamics.Ĭal came to live with Hannah and her parents nearly 15 months ago.
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