Reading this book feels like discovering the novel version of Luke and Jess’s dynamic from Gilmore Girls—a mix of quiet resilience, heartfelt moments, and the kind of unspoken love that runs deep. Larsen captures the complicated relationship between a boy and his struggling parent with stunning clarity, blending humor and raw honesty to create a story that resonates on many levels. The use of bird observations and sound bites throughout adds a unique layer, feeling much like Gary D. Schmidt’s Okay for Now. Even with a few pacing lulls, the story holds strong, driven by Quag’s quiet determination and the touch of hope in his interactions with Jay and Maggie as he attempts to hold things together.
This story is a testament to how love, even in its messiest form, can anchor us. A must-read for anyone drawn to stories that balance heartache and humor with grace.

As a teacher and librarian, I think a lot of students will identify with this book. It is hard for some students to admit what is going on at home and to ask for help. This book allows us an inside look at Quagmire's life and is a quick read. It keeps you guessing what might happen next and also makes you want to see Quagmire find what he needs. Very realistic story, but the author adds in humor to lighten the topic at hand.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this ARC. What a fantastic story! The mother’s mental illness was heartbreaking as well as how the main character had to deal with it, all alone. The out of control road trip and the addition of new family was emotional on many levels. My students would love this!

Quagmire Tiarello may be a 14-year-old boy but most of the time, he has to act like an adult. His mom has undiagnosed bipolar disorder and goes on "spins" where she may disappear for days at a time, leaving Quag to fend for himself. He has to pay bills, find food, and convince the landlord that his mom is in control even when she's not. This time around Quag's mom has been MIA for several days. When she finally returns, she takes Quag for a fast food run that turns into a road trip that spans several states and then leaves him stranded on the side of the road. What happens from there is pretty far-fetched, but I don't think the target audience of middle-grade readers will mind. I had a hard time getting into the story, but I think it still is valuable for classroom and school libraries due to its focus on mental illness. This is a very real concern for many children and I'm a firm believer that representation matters, especially in children's books.

Thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books, Clarion Books, and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

Quentin "QUagmire" Tiarello (14) keeps things secret when his mom, with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, goes on a 'spin'. Sometimes, she can be gone for days, but he has learned how to survive by paying the bills, knowing when the pizza parlor tosses out the uneaten pizzas. He has no plans for summer vaction until his crush Cassie asks him to join her group at the Y Art Camp to make a radio drama where he is the Foley guy - making the realisic sounds. He's just getting used to everything and making friends with the other members of the group when he mom disappears for a week then shows up at the Y, still spinning, and whisks him away from central New York all the way to Iowa before she abandons him. Needing help, Quag calls his Uncle Jay - that he didn't know he had - and goes to live with him on his ranch as they look for his mom. Quag's emoions are palpable - his anger, his frustration, the love he has for his mother with the insights of when she's in a good place, and his fears. The characterizations of all the characters are very on point thrown in with compassion and emotional journeys that follow the path Quag is going through. Information about birds which follow Quag's emotional and mental journey break up the narrative without pulling the reader from the story. A thoughtful look at young teens dealing with a parent with issues and trying to handle more than they are ready to shoulder.

I recieved a free eARC of this book, Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

No 14 yr old should be the person responsible for holding things together at home, unfortunately, that's what Quag is facing. His mother spirals up and down, and he's left holding the pieces,

This book is one of the best portrayals of a manic episode I've seen, Quag actually is connecting with a group at a summer art camp and having a good time...and also trying to cover for his mother, who is spiraling badly. That falls apart when his mother decides to go get hot dogs, and ends up leaving Quag in a different state, unable to get to Art camp with the promised donuts, to save his mother,,,or to save himself. Quag has to make hard decisions as to what to do and who to trust.


This book is needed and valuable. It deserves to be shelved in libraries and read.

Life could absolutely be better for Quagmire Tiarello, and it is totally reflected in his attitude! Which I one hundred percent appreciate! A kid in that situation should get frustrated! But you also get some humor. This is a heart wrenching tale of what you hope your own child will never go through, but that through reading your child may discover some compassion for those who they don’t know what is behind an individual’s moodiness. Quagmire’s story surprised, entertained, and inspired me.

Synopsis:
Quagmire has relied on himself for years. He doesn't need anybody. He especially doesn't need anyone taking any closer looks at him... or his mom. He can take care of her and has for years. Except- this spin is different from the others. And then she disappears on him. And he's forced to ask for help from an uncle he doesn't even know. But he can handle it. Can't he?

This was a heavy topic done with a delicate touch. Most 14-year-old boys I have known would never be vulnerable enough to ask for help and Larsen captures this struggle well, with genuine heart and humor.