Trigger Warnings: parent drug use, parent addiction, overdose

Reese is a seventh-grader who loves drawing, basketball, and his parents. But one day after school, Reese comes home to his worst nightmare - his dad on the floor, lips turning blue, overdosed. Again. After calling 911 and getting his dad help, Reese expects everything to go on like it did the last time, but for his mom, this was the breaking point. Until Reese’s dad really gets the help that he needs, Reese and his mom are leaving, moving into a rundown trailer outside of town. Reese is furious with his mom for leaving his dad when he needs them, scared for his dad who’s not answering calls or texts, and terrified his friends will find out his family’s biggest secret.

But then he meets Meg and Charlie, siblings who have also been stranded by circumstances outside of their control. As the trio get to know more about each other, Reese discovers beauty and joy in nature - especially the river down the pathway of the property they are staying at. His dad also seems to be doing better and is talking with his mom again. But how long can these good times last?

This middle grade book deals with a heavy topic matter - parent addiction, and it does so with compassionate care for all parties. This allowed Reese to go through and process his emotions, between anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, and everything in between. Addiction is a topic that unfortunately tends to be treated like it needs to be hidden and to be ashamed about. What Reese and his family go through will really relate to children who may be going through something similar.

I am so happy I got to read this novel, and to know that it exists in the world for younger readers so they don’t feel alone - and for those who haven’t experienced it, to open the door of understanding. Even though it is for younger readers, I do see older readers, and adults getting something out of this read too.

*Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

John Cochran novel Breaking into Sunlight tackles the heavy topic of addiction and its effects on a family in a way that is not only hopeful for middle grade students, but for adults as well. 7th grader Reese is trying his hardest to keep his family together amid his dad’s struggle with his sobriety. I think this novel did a good job of demonstrating that no matter how ashamed you may feel about your parents’ addiction there are people in the community who you can trust and that will support you. I also really appreciated the author’s note in this novel; it solidified my star rating. I found the characters well written, and I enjoyed reading them, especially Meg and Charlie Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I became intrigued with John Cochran’s account in Writer’s Digest in the “Breaking In” column with his move from journalism to writing a novel for middle graders and requested an Advance Reading Copy of Breaking Into Sunlight from Net Galley. Two things that he noted struck a chord with me. He credited his journalism background for preparation for editing and for accepting criticism. Then he went on to emphasize how important a writing community becomes. I would agree with both adding the caveat that my years as a junior high language arts teacher would substitute for his journalism experience.

His novel covers seventh-grader Reese’s story as he deals with an addicted father. He is torn between his sympathy for his mother who works and tries to maintain a home and his yearning to be with his fun-loving father. His firm belief that his father would be helped if he and his mother remain with him contrasts sharply with her need to keep Reese safe and compel his father to face his demons. Reese also wants to keep his family troubles private so others don’t look down on him.

John Cochran writes a middle grade novel that rings true as Reese deals with the changes his father’s addiction bring to his life and the discovery that he is not alone in having a family that falls short of perfect.

Advertising for the book states that one in eight kids live with a parent with a substance-abuse problem. This makes this book really pertinent to our times and a very good discussion starter for those young people who are trying to figure out the best way to deal with the hand that life has given them.

In the category of middle-grade books that deal with heavy subject matter; here’s another one I can highly recommend.
We follow 12-year old Reese, who’s dad struggles with substance abuse. His world is turned upside down after the comes home from school one day and finds his dad unconscious on the floor after accidentally overdosing. The experience splits the family; his mum declaring this was the final straw, and declaring that she and Reese are leaving until Reese’s dad gets real help with his addiction. Meanwhile, Reese is trying to reconnect with his dad after what happens, and grieving the life they had before dad’s struggle began.

It’s a wonderful story that tackles the topic of addiction with a lot of care and compassion for all the different parties, and manages to portray it in a way that is understandable for younger readers. Books like this one matter; they can be incredibly powerful to kids who’re going through similar situations. Experiencing something like this is incredibly lonely, and recognizing yourself on the pages of a book can provide a little bit of support. Reese also shows perfectly how it’s possible to still involve your friends and be supported by them, even if they don’t have the same experiences as you do.

Two slight points of critique; the book is a little long and slow at times for the intended audience. Not every children’s book needs to be fast paced, but there were sections where I could see a 12-year olds attention wandering, and perhaps not picking the book back up again.
The second point is one from my own perspective as a medical professional. I was in awe of how incredibly well Reese acts in this medical emergency. He does exactly what I would wish every child could do: he calls 911 and his mum, gives the right information and waits with his dad for EMS to come. This is really impressive, and I would’ve wanted some recognition on page of how well he did. Throughout the first part of the story, Reese feels conflicted if he did the right thing and his mother, in her own shock immediately after the fact, reacts very flat and almost cold towards him. This is later addressed, but I really would’ve wanted some positive feedback a little earlies. Perhaps an EMT telling him how well he did.
Just in case: let me say it here and now. Reese (and any child that ever called 911 for their injured parent), you did something incredibly brave and smart and you are a hero. Don’t ever feel guilty for “not being able to do more”; you did the absolute best thing there was to do. You helped, and your parents are proud of you, whether they’re able to say it or not.

Many thanks to Algonquin Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book was great! I loved how real and emotional it was, and I loved seeing how the main character grew along with his relationships. It was an amazing book and I would definitely recommend!!!

A poignant message with a sweet voice, this debut aches in the best way. An insightful dive into complex family dynamics and a wonderful representation of the inner life of a young person, John Cochran gives middle-graders and adults alike something to connect with and love.

Almost 13 year old Reese is a basketball and art loving kid who is traumatized when he discovers his father unconscious after a drug overdose. His mother makes the decision for them to leave his father until he gets help for his addiction. This very realistic book of the ups and downs of a family dealing with addiction will be relevant to far too many people. It’s well done and an appealing length for busy middle schoolers.