Watch Over Me

Gr 10 Up–Zoey is almost 19, but her life is on hold because she has to help her mother care for her younger siblings. Her father, a former cop, is in jail for assaulting her mother. Zoey testified against him and lives in fear that he will get out and find where they live. When their apartment and car are set on fire, Zoey learns that he has been released, but there is no definitive proof that he set the fire. Zoey’s older brother Will and his best friend Tristan come to the rescue, moving the family to California within walking distance of the beach. Will is leaving for a Marine deployment, but Tristan promises his friend to look out for the family. Tristan is older and has been a bit of a player in the past, but he and Zoey have instant chemistry that makes him want to change his ways. Readers see Tristan and Zoey grow closer and fall in love from each of their perspectives in alternating chapters. Meanwhile, however, the threat of Zoey’s father grows greater.