Review Detail

Reader reviewed by librariane

Maybe is a street kidshes run away from an abusive homelife and is now part of a family in NYC. Its winter for much of the story, and Maybe struggles with finding food, staying warm, staying semi-healthy and semi-clean. She is encouraged by several adults to go home or seek shelter at one of the foster care places, but Maybe doesnt like giving up the freedom she has on the street. Over and over she is told that she doesnt really live on the streetsshes dying out there. In the end, after her family is broken up or dead, Maybe realizes that perhaps a few rules is an okay exchange for a warm bed and regular meals.

This is a harsh novel, though the only thing truly explicit is the harsh reality of living in cold NYC. Sex and prostitution is implied, drugs are discussed but not overtly used and swear
words are at a minimum. The book moves quickly and I thought Strasser did an excellent
job covering something most of our readers will never understand. In a way, the story has a
happy ending, as Maybe agrees to get help, but her character development is real, and she
has suffered many losses by the end. Overall I would give this to teens, especially those a
little more well off, so they can understand what its like to be completely without anything
especially trust, hope and a family.