Gather

A teen and his dog flee to save their home and future.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,216 ratings

336 pages· 83,886 words· Est. 8 hour read

$10.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In rural Vermont, Ian Gray faces the impossible: caring for his mom battling addiction, quitting basketball, and finding work. His only solace is Gather, his loyal dog. When tragedy strikes, Ian and Gather must run, risking everything to protect their home. Can they find a way back, or will they lose everything they hold dear? This gripping tale of resilience and hope explores the lengths one will go to for family and belonging.

From the publisher

Winner of the Kirkus Prize A National Book Award FinalistA Michael L. Printz Honor Book”A heartfelt novel about the challenges of youth and the value of community.” –Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Ian Gray isn’t supposed to have a dog, but a lot of things that shouldn’t happen end up happening anyway. And Gather, Ian’s adopted pup, is good company now that Ian has to quit the basketball team, find a job, and take care of his mom as she tries to overcome her opioid addiction. Despite the obstacles thrown their way, Ian is determined to keep his family afloat no matter what it takes. And for a little while, things are looking up: Ian makes friends, and his fondness for the outdoors and for fixing things lands him work helping neighbors. But an unforeseen tragedy results in Ian and his dog taking off on the run, trying to evade a future that would mean leaving their house and their land. Even if the community comes together to help him, would Ian and Gather have a home to return to? Told in a wry, cautious first-person voice, Kenneth M. Cadow’s resonant novel, a 2023 National Book Award Finalist, brings an emotional and ultimately hopeful story of one teen’s resilience in the face of unthinkable hardships.

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