REVIEWS+

Taken Away

by Cyn BERMUDEZ
978153832301. BERMUDEZ, Cyn. This Place Is Not My Home. 70p. Jun. 2019. ISBN 9781538382325.ea vol: (Brothers). Enslow/West 44 Bks. Tr $14.20. pap. $9.95.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5–8—Brothers Isaac and Victor get taken from their family after their mother commits a crime in this realistic look at life in the foster care system. The story is told through emails exchanged between the siblings, who are in different foster homes, as they grapple with being apart. While Isaac is placed with a loving foster family, he encounters bullying and social difficulties in a new situation. Victor cycles through several homes as he gets involved with ill-conceived schemes that get him in trouble. The engaging page layouts feature doodle-style drawings, representing images the two brothers are sending to each other in their emails, and the book covers are eye-catching. The series presents a realistic yet accessible look at a family encountering stressful circumstances.
VERDICT Written at a second and third grade reading level, "Brothers" is an unflinching exploration of a family navigating foster care.
Reviewed by Kathryn Justus , Feb 01, 2019

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?