This was a tough book for me to read; I think it would be for any parent or caregiver of teens. It is compelling, well written, and the characters are believable. I can see how it could be helpful for the right teen. The issues are real enough … neglect, sexual abuse, dysfunctional families racked with grief, and teens left to fend for themselves, at a time when they desperately need parents. Several main characters are sexually very experienced and one is just beginning; all are seniors in high school. There are sexually explicit scenes.
By their own strength of character, the kids do find help and force the adults to “wake up”. It’s hard to face how alone some kids are. To my mind this is for older teens.