This ended up being a DNF for me. Not only could I not connect to the characters, the writing was also incredibly choppy.

I first fell in love with C.H. Armstrong’s writing with her novel The Edge of Nowhere and so was very excited to read her young adult contemporary novel Roam. While the characters and setting are very reminiscent of a lot of other young adult contemporaries, C.H. Armstrong turns them on their head and add a new layer to them, one which I have not seen anywhere else in this genre.

Roam is a book about homelessness. It follows a teenager Abby Lunde as she must deal with the stress of a new town and new school with the added complexity that her family has been forced from their home and are now living in the back of a van. It follows Abby as she navigates her feelings towards her family (particularly her mother who she blames for the situation) her fear of her new school and friends finding out, as well as her own internalized opinions of the homeless and how that impacts her own reactions and feelings.

All of this is woven beautifully throughout the story and Abby’s growth feels perfectly natural. Indeed, each of the characters in this book felt like they came alive as I read and I really enjoyed that each one was flawed in their own way but ended up rising above those flaws and coming together at the end. The family dynamics were also a delight to read, particularly Abby’s interactions with her sister (who, in my opinion, was the breakout star of the book).

I appreciate C.H. Armstrong’s decision to write a book about homelessness, and that it was done in a way that is accessible to a lot of people, particularly young adults who may find themselves in a similar situation, and in a way that was respectful. It challenges preconceptions about the homeless and was an entertaining story as well. Roam is definitely a book which should be kept in libraries everywhere.

4 - 4.25 stars
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This was a really wonderful story that showcases the hardships of homelessness, the importance of never giving up, and the positives that having certain people in our lives while going through any hardships. The author, C.H. Armstrong, took a look at homelessness through the eyes of a 17 year old girl named Abby Lunde. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she, her mom (Claire), stepdad (Nick), and 6 year old sister (Amber) move from Omaha, Nebraska to Rochester, Minnesota in hopes of starting a new life. Things are fraught between mother and daughter because of events that have scarred Abby (and possibly given her PTSD). The distant relationship is explained through flashbacks and help explain many major plot points in the book. It amazes me how Ms. Armstrong used a classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee to show how forgiveness while hard can be exactly what a person needs fo a better life. Starting a new school is hard, especially when you make an enemy on your first day, but when you find the right people it makes things easier on Abby to forget the hardships that living in a van during the winter in Minnesota can entail. Abby finds a secret talent she never knew she had, love, and some wonderful mentors while at school, but she refuses to let anyone know she doesn't have a home as she's certain it will lead to her being severely bullied. Eventually, the secret of her being homeless comes out leading to characters being tested on how strong the relationships among schoolmates and family are. There were so many moments that I enjoyed about this story but the characters have to be the major ones. They were just delightful and I didn't dislike anyone except the enemy of the main character.

As much as I enjoyed this story there were downsides to this novel. Most Young Adult stories follow certain formulas and this one definitely follows them. Overall, I don't mind the formulas if they're well-written and explained. What are the odds that the quarterback of the football team who is the hottest, most popular, and thoughtful boy in school is the first person you meet and he falls instantly for you? Pretty slim but I admit I loved this character with Abby, so I can say the coincidence of him being an office aid when you arrive at the school is fine. Heck even finding the most understanding people in the entire school through a class and lunch are understandable as kids tend to find a pack and stick with them on their first day of school.

One example of a coincidence that could have been written better/earlier in the book deals with Nick. During one of Abby's flashbacks is when Abby spies her mom crying while her stepdad comforts her. (view spoiler) This secret is never mentioned by anyone in the book and explains why the family moved out of state. I had thought it was because they wanted the State of Nebraska to have a hard time finding them to pay off their debt for about 3/4ths of the book. If this had been a reveal about the character that nobody knew or stated earlier in the story then it would have explained a lot about Abby and Nick's relationship. Abby loves and respects her stepdad's opinion and choices, but most of the time we are lead to believe it's due to her being terrified she'll be left all alone with her mom. Finding out why he's so familiar with the Rochester area would explain why she doesn't question him in what he suggests where the family go and do to survive. It would have added a deeper aspect to their relationship, and explain another reason why she's so mad at her mom.

I highly recommend this Young Adult book to anyone who enjoys pretty realistic looks on difficult subjects. Roam by C.H. Armstrong isn't a perfect book but it's one I think many people will enjoy. I'll definitely be on the lookout for other books written by this author as she comes out with more.

It's never easy being the "new girl" in town, now add to the mix that it's your Senior year, oh, and the fact that your family is living in a van in the Walmart parking lot. When Abby Lunde shows up on her first day of school all she wants is to be invisible to everyone around her, but when Zach, the big-man-on-campus, takes an interest in her, hiding in the shadows becomes nearly impossible. Can Abbey trust these new friends? How can she forgive her mom for putting their family in this situation? How much longer can Abby hide the truth from the people who are closest to her?

Roam is more than a coming of age story. Abby's voice paints a vivid picture of what it's like for many teens who don't know where they'll sleep each night, yet keep trying to fight through each day as if life were normal.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.*

I really wanted to love this book. I love YA in general and the bold, brave way in which young authors are tackling difficult subjects with authenticity and fearlessness. I was intrigued by the cover blurb, and had high hopes for how the story of a homeless teenager with secrets would be handled for a YA audience. Sadly, I really felt like this one missed the mark.

Roam is the story of Abby Lunde, a 17-year old student, who for reasons outside of her control and that the reader doesn't get to learn until about halfway through the book, is living in a van in a Rochester, MN Wal-Mart parking lot with her mother, her stepfather and her 6-year-old sister, Amber. Having recently fled Omaha in shame due to a scandal of some sort (again, you have to hang on for a long time to get the story), the family is starting over in Rochester and Abby is transferring to begin her senior year in October at a new high school in a new town.

The premise is solid. I appreciate how C.H. Armstrong deftly introduces the circumstances that lead to the Lundes living in the van, while not making it too cliche or too dramatic. The family dynamic is believable and the characters are flawed in lovely, honest ways.

The writing struck me as juvenile. The entire storyline at the high school could have been characters from an ABC after-school special circa 1985 (just sub in cell phones and a gay supporting character for a skateboard and a minority back then). The dynamic between Abby and her new friends is just too sweet and perfect, and the school villain character is over-the-top in the way of Sweet Valley High villains.

I'm not anti-happy endings. In fact, I adore them when warranted. But this story wrapped up all too sweetly with a perfect bow. I would have liked to see just one of the many balls that Abby had up in the air not land perfectly.

All that said, I didn't dislike the book and I admittedly stayed up late wanting to find out what would come of the Lundes. I guess I just wish this one went deeper.

Thinking back, I can't really recall any books that deal with this specific sort of homelessness. I've read or at least seen books about teenagers who run away, whose parents have died, about people who have decided to couch surf in order to move to a new place or are on the run from the law, and an assortment of other things.
Never have I seen a family deal with this struggle. Abby's is a senior in high school, her sister is in 1st grade, her mom is a teacher & her stepdad a mechanic. Even faced with homelessness, school is made a priority for the girls. This is a great thing for Abby, who gets the chance to start over somewhere new after her life fell apart at her own school.

There's a small mystery about what has caused Abby's family to be in this situation, and you get your answers but realize that isn't really important. This family deserves more than sleeping in their van.
Armstrong creates loveable characters right from the start. Abby is flawed, sure, she's anxious & often lets that get in the way of her relationships, she can have a short temper, and she tries to push people away. Then there's her little sister Amber, who refers to Abby as Sister (which I found a little stranger, but it is explained in the book) who complains she's hungry and cold but super social even to strangers, likes going to school (where she has a string of "boyfriends") and suffers quietly with shoes that are too small. Abby's parents are both emotionally vulnerable at points, but they're also undeniably good parents, they want Abby to achieve great things, they're truly proud of her, they're thankful for all the ways she helps them as they search desperately for jobs to get them out of the van.
This book also features a great cast of side character, they're not explored deeply, but this isn't their story. They support Abby's story as much as they support her as a person, that is to say, everyone Abby meets helps her in their own way. This was very moving & hopeful, it's the way I wish the world always was, and not just a select few.
Emotions run high for each and every character, but this wasn't a difficult read, everything felt like it was balanced very well. A heap of hope followed by the feeling of dread, unbeatable happiness paired with sadness & confusion.  It'll make you just want to wrap these character in a hug & give them everything they could possibly want.
There are quite a few flashback type passages & I found the transition to & from these to be a bit awkward, as well as the dialogue being a bit formal too. Also, I felt as though some things just worked out a little bit too perfectly, I was rooting for the characters & I saw their struggles but it did feel just a little manufactured. My biggest problem however, was that there was a gay character in this book, but his arc was kind of brushed aside and overlooked. Ultimately, this is what led me to give 4 stars instead of 5, though I don't feel that any of these hugely took away from the message this book sends.

I will say that I found this to be on the younger side of YA despite Abby's age. I felt that Abby, & by extension Abby's classmates to have an innocence that didn't quite ring true to life. It was quite refreshing though to read a book where the older teens weren't reduced to sexual & drug based arcs. This would have worked just as well if Abby was in 9th or 10th grade, but then we would have missed out on seeing Abby think of life after high school. So, all in all, I'm glad that the ages were kept as they were.
With that in mind, I would definitely recommend this to anyone that is interested in these real-life issues, it's handled very well & taken seriously.

Do you plan on reading Roam? Have you read a great book about homelessness? I'd love to hear from you!

I found this to be such an eye opening book. Abby Lunde is a senior in high school who recently had her life completely altered. Following a series of unfortunate events, her family ends up homeless. Her mother, stepdad, and younger sister move from Omaha to Minnesota in search of a new start. I caught myself tearing up a few times just because of how realistic this story is. Abby his her homelessness so even her boyfriend and best friends didn't know. It just shows that you don't always know what someone is going through.

2.5/5 stars

Roam is the story of Abby, a senior in high school, whose family has just moved to Rochester, Minnesota because of their recent homelessness. Abby's family endures many of the hardships many homeless families experience: living in a van, sneaking into Walmart for spongebaths, relying on free breakfast and lunch at school, walking everywhere, desperately trying to find jobs, and more. But there are some high points to Abby's new life. At her new school, she makes friends-- friends who are more compassionate, caring, and /friendly/ than her old friends in Omaha. Plus, she starts dating Zach, an uber-rich, uber-popular, star quarterback who also plays guitar and is super supportive. But homeless is wearing on Abby and her family. Will they ever get out of this rough spot? Will Abby be able to keep her new socio-economic status a secret from everyone at school? Will they ever be able to stop roaming and plant roots in a new home?

Roam is fast-paced, which makes it a good recommendation for reluctant readers. The chapters are short and the action never lets up. Even though Abby spends some time stuck in her own head with her anger, her hopelessness, her anxiety, the pace never slows down. Additionally, the empathy for homeless teens is overwhelming. This is not a topic that is often discussed in YA books, which makes it stand out. However, it hovers too close to didactic for my tastes. The neat bow at the end seals the deal that I won't be purchasing it for my YA collection. Rarely are such complicated issues as the poverty cycle ever neatly tied up with a bow. (See also: the treatment of depression in the filmic adaptation of Silver Linings Playbook.)

Additionally, Abby bemoans more than once about how awful it is to not have friends, especially friends whom you thought were besties but then drop you like a hot potato when times get tough. And, as someone who quite literally didn't have friends from 6th-10th grade, the way Armstrong/Abby treats it is not realistic. I understand that not everyone will respond to not having friends the same way, but Armstrong makes it seem as though Abby is one in a million teens who doesn't have a friend, when it's actually not un-common. The friendless just don't cross paths (for whatever reason). I will now get off my soapbox before I get carried away. (TL;DR: Abby's situation of being "friendless" isn't unique, and Armstrong needed to have approached that to be make Abby's story contain more verisimilitude.)

Considering that this is a fictional read, it felt so realistic.

C.H. Armstrong has written a wonderful book that is raw, compelling and heartbreakingly.

To be honest, this book is beautifully written.

Highly recommend this book .

Roam is a compelling, gritty, heart-wrenching book about a seventeen year old girl who is living on the streets with her family. The characters in this book are portrayed honestly and compassionately. This is a YA book that teenagers and adults alike will be able to relate to.

Armstrong delivers a powerful novel, encapsulating the very real and unfortunate emotions - and circumstances - of people in todays society. Constructing a heart-wrenching piece of work, this novel effortlessly builds before seamlessly, and astoundingly concluding.

Thank you Central Avenue Publishing and a Netgalley for this ARC.

I give his book 4.5 stars

This YA novel was fabulous, it pulled me in quickly and I couldn’t put it down. I evoked lots of emotion at times and really made me so grateful that I have never had to worry about a roof over my head and other securities often taken for granted.

This novel raises many relevant issues including poverty, homelessnes, bullying, exclusion, trying to fit in. It really illustrated how a series of bad decisions can impact so devastatingly on many lives. The only thing that stopped this being a 5 star book in my mind was that, while reading, I often questioned if this was a realistic enough account of the issue of homelessness. I often felt that so many opportunities seemingly came at the right moment throughout the book, especially to the 17 year old main character. I truly hope in real life this would have occurred, however the cynical part of me questioned how often this would be the reality for others in this situation.

I highly recommend this great book. I have been thinking about it ever since I regretfully finished the last page.

Roam discussed the issue of homelessness in a very real way. In every page, you can feel the heaviness and struggle Abby and her family faced in being homeless. For me, the story was really driven by the main character, Abby. Whether you’ll enjoy the story or not will depend on whether or not you like her. Althought it’s really nothing to worry about as Abby is an easily lovable character.

In the first half of the book, we get to meet an angrier Abby. It was totally understandable as the family is going through a horrible time. I think the author did well in writing Abby; I guess that if any teenager was to go through what she went through, they’ll react pretty similarly. She was really angry at her mum and blamed her on their situation. The story then follow Abby in navigating her life in the new school, with new friends and love interest who had no idea about her living arrangement.

For me, Roam is a book about acceptance, forgiveness, and empathy. As the book progressed, it focused on Abby finally accepting that it was her new situation and that she had to work with her family to find a solution to their problems. Along the way, Abby also had to forgive her mother who she blamed quite harshly in the book.

Despite all the struggle she was going through, Abby still got to experience high school. I think it was one reason why I like the book. There’s still balance between the real issues and the fluff. Between the hardships and the friendships Abby found in the midst of all of it.

Roam was definitely a quick read for me. I have to admit that the book is too Young Adult for me but I think YA lovers will still enjoy the book.

This is very shallow, basic,, almost flippant and dull YA book. While billed as a reflection on teenage homelessness, the bulk of the story focused on everything but, treating the homelessness as a peripheral issue. However. I do appreciate what the author tries to do, showing that homelessness *is* just another thing, rather than THE thing. A person can be homeless but still smart and talented and worthy of love, compassion, and friendship.

If I were a high school student, I’d probably enjoy it more than reading it as an adult.

I received an arc from Netgalley for an honest review. This novel is amazing. I’m so happy I’ve gotten a chance an read this novel. I think everyone of all ages should read this book. Abby Lunde is a homeless teenager. Her and her family are living in a van. Her mother made some mistakes that made her lost her job and her step dad was laid off which caused them to wind up homeless. This is a heartbreaking but beautiful story. I loved it, I loved Abby, Zach, Josh and Amber as characters in this story. C.H Armstrong’s writing really captivates the reality of people dealing with homelessness in everyday life. She is a great writer and story teller. Please go read this novel.

5/5 STARS!

This book was so moving and captivating! The story of Abby’s struggle as a homeless teen in a new town breaks your heart but her strength and perseverance stitch it back together!

C.H. Armstrong writes an absolutely tragic tale of how one bad decision can have a ripple effect and change the lives of everyone around you. The Lunde family found themselves sleeping in the back of their van in a Walmart parking lot as a means to survive. Seeking out every soup kitchen, pantry or temporary shelter available in town and making the best of a very bad situation.

The author’s ability to pull you into the story as if you were there, experiencing it for yourself was incredible. I loved the teen perspective this book provided on social justice issues as well as economic ones. How difficult it was for Abby to hide, fib and disengage, just to fit in and go unnoticed.

But she didn’t go unnoticed. She caught the attention of the most popular guy in school and gained a group of friends who were the opposite of the ones that turned their back on her in Omaha. She built an unwavering own support system within the walls of her new high school, with peers, teachers and administrators. She thrived and broke out of her shell, despite the difficult home life she was forced to return to each and every afternoon.

The romantic aspect of this story was sweet and endearing. I loved the chemistry between Abby and Zach. His willingness to accept her, despite the truths she’d kept from him, really showed his true character and love for her.

I adored this read for both the characters and the storyline.

This book was a surprise because I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Tge book centers around Abby, a seventeen year old homeless teen. Unlike some stories, where the teens runaways or is addicted to drugs. She's homeless along with the rest of her family because of a scandalous decision by her mother.

This book really pulled on my heartstrings because I can remember the turbulent emotions of teen years and I can't imagine trying to deal and be homeless! I was pleasantly surprised with the spiritual element in the novel and I thought it was a fabulous touch!

I enjoyed discovering the rocky relationship between Abby and her Mother. I believe, most of us can sympathize because we have had those ups & downs with our own mothers.

I recommend reading this coming-of-age novel, for anyone that is a YA or New Adult book lover! Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for providing me with an ARC for my honest review.

*4.5*

was totally blown away by this book, really. I was expecting to like it, but not love it as much as I did.
"Roam" is a YA contemporary story about Abby, a teenage girl who suddenly finds herself living on the streets with her mother, little sister and stepdad thanks to stupid mistake that her mother made. Abby finds herself divided between being an homeless teen and living the best life she can at school.
This read truly opened my eyes. I suffered with Abby and for her, and I cried a lot, both happy and sad tears. I was so happy that she was able to find herself again, and that she had the chance to find some amazing friends, Josh before all. He was one of my favourite characters, and he was so sweet in giving her all of those Disney nicknames. I also liked the diversity in this book, even if one particular line, where Abby first met one of the boys (don't want to say who because spoilers) and discovered that he is homosexual really bothered me. She said something along the lines of "are you sure?" and I hate that, cause yeah, he's sure thank you very much, you don't ask that to a person who is certain about his/her/their sexuality. Hence the 4,5 stars and not 5.
Beside that, though, I loved everything. Like, for real. The romance was really good, and I don't care if it was a bit too fast, I was enchanted by Zach as much as Abby. He was sweet and caring and I was beyond fascinated by him.
The familiar bonds in this book were truly amazing. I loved how Abby's family was stronger when everyone was there, and I loved how, despite the differences and the struggles, everyone kept on loving each other and they always tried to understand the other person.
I have to say I am truly happy to have read this book, really.
Thanks again to NetGalley and the publishing house for giving me this chance.

Being a teenager is hard. Being a teenager living with her family in their van is harder. That’s what life is for Abby Lunde in Roam by C.H. Armstrong.

Life was good for Abby in Omaha. Sure her mom was a teacher at her high school, but she was a cheerleader and she had good friends. Her baby sister wasn’t too annoying and her step-father was her Dad and he was pretty good. That’s until her mother had an affair with the high school football coach. She lost her job; Abby was bullied and kicked off the cheerleading squad. Her friends abandoned her. To make things worse, her step-father’s company closed down. With her parents unable to find work, they lost the house. So they moved to Rochester, MN to start over. Living in their van until they can afford someone to live.

From the start, Abby is a success in her new school. She acquires two best friends. Girls are also best friends with the town’s one out gay boy (who is stereotypically Disney-obsessed). The rich, good looking, smart, guitar-playing Quarterback has fallen for her. The Quarterback’s jealous ex-girlfriend bullies Abby. She just needs to hide her living situation until her parents can get them back on their feet and all is great.

Writing that made me realize the stereotypes in the book, but I don’t recall any people of color. Maybe because they were all financially well-off and unless it’s an academically smart Asian person, people of color are generally portrayed as lower-income.

I’m actually fine with there being no people of color in Roam. Sometimes that’s just the neighborhood and there are other books for other neighborhoods. (Please seek out and read those books too!) The stereotypes and utopian aspect of Roam is a little frustrating though. David Levithan did it in Boy Meets Boy because he wanted to write about the world he wanted to live in. I’m not sure C.H. Armstrong was that intentional. Which leads me to my one real criticism of Roam: I’m not sure how much time the author spends with teenagers. I suspect not much. While John Green’s characters are often criticized for their expansive vocabularies, the speech in Roam is often rather formal and a little too “wisdom of an adult”. The adult characters have it a little too, but it’s mainly the teenagers and mainly in the second half.

I definitely enjoyed reading Roam and I’m thankful homelessness is being discussed in this way with no fault or drugs or even mental illness as the cause. The ending is a tad perfect, but I’m happy Abby got it.

First I would like to than Net Galley for granted me mu wish and allowing me to read this ARC. I have to say that this story really touched my heart because it touches on real life issues that young adults go through on a daily basis.

Abby has everything in her one day and the next due to something her mother did they are up and moving to another town. Abby can't believe it because this is her last year of high school and she doesn't want to up and change schools even though she doesn't have any friends and she doesn't have a boyfriend either. But her mother has messed up and her actions have caused the family to have to move. Only when the family moves to a new town they are homeless and are having issues that are causing the family to fight.

Abby is pissed off at her mother but her step father keeps trying to tell Abby that things will get better. Abby starts a new school and she is instantly being bullied which causes her to shut down instead of stand up for herself. Things get worse and Abby thinks her life is over but she holds on and decides to stick it out with her family.

This is a must read story about homelessness and bullying and family sticking together. Everyday teens go through these issues and some deal with it and others give up and commit suicide. Abby chose life thank God but it could have gone the other way.