On Thin Ice

Ked's mother left the family and his father has a gambling problem, often not making the rent. Ked is bullied at school after developing a condition in his back that impacts his posture and walk. Ked has to find a way to make money so he and his father don't end up homeless, especially after he finds out his father bet two months' worth of rent money on the town's annual ice melt contest. In terms of portraying poverty, "Free Lunch" did it better. But this line of Ked's self-talk did resonate: "It doesn’t matter….I can be lonely. I can be embarrassed. I don’t like it, but I’ve had lots of practice. What I can’t be is homeless….”

Solid teen voice, and plenty of details about rebuilding an engine and using a makerspace. Planning to bring this to our 6th graders.