Joseph's Grace

Book excerpt: Joseph’s story continues in this heart-wrenching young adult novel that grapples with tragedy and coming of age. Joseph’s sophomore year is about to begin, but his new start is a false one. At his father’s request, Joseph moved in with Aunt Shirley, Uncle Todd, and cousin Jasmine over the summer to distance himself from his mother’s drug problems and the dangerous characters she interacts with. But efforts to keep Joseph safe have had tragic results. As Joseph contends with his grief, his mother’s persistent pleas for money, and the distance between himself and his father in Iraq—not to mention schoolwork, making the tennis team, and a new relationship—he’s learning what’s most important to him, and what sacrifices he’ll have to make to become the person he needs to be.