Leon is almost 9 years old when his brother Jake is born. Their single mother, Carol, has a history of depression and other mental illnesses. As Carol's condition deteriorates, Leon struggles to take care of both his mother and baby brother but eventually the children are taken away and put into foster care while Carol receives treatment. When it becomes apparent that Carol will never be able to take care of the children, Jake is put up for adoption, however, while Jake is a white and very adoptable, Leon is an older child and of mixed race and thus has minimal chances of finding a forever home.

Fortunately for Leon he is placed in a foster home with Maureen who is an older woman but has vast experience with both her own children and other foster children. Leon is an intelligent, sensitive, caring, responsible and charming child. He wants nothing more than to retrieve Jake from his new parents and reunite his family. I wanted so much for Leon to be happy and I worried every time there was a mention of guns, knives, riots or anything else that would make his life more precarious than it already was. I really needed something to make me feel more hopeful about humanity at the moment.

This was an engaging story and very well written by the author. I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Lenny Henry who did an excellent job.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, however I wound up borrowing and listening to the audiobook from the library.