Banished from the house by his mother so her new man won’t know about his existence, sixteen-year-old Dylan tries surviving on the streets with teen runaways and those who prey on them. With no family to turn to, some do-gooders offer a hand if he wants to accept it. 2006 USBBY CBC Outstanding International Books List, nominated for a Governor Gen eral’s Award (Canada).

Originally published by HarperCollins Canada, in 2003.

My fingers search the cardboard container, but I’ve finished the fries. I squirt ketchup on my fingers and lick it off. I’m never full. I think it was one of the reasons I had to leave, or, rather, my mother kicked me out. Jenna’s a runaway, but I’m a throwaway. Tossed out. Like garbage.

Keep your wits about you. Check your back.
Do what it takes to survive on the streets.

Dylan is living on the streets not through any choice of his own, unlike some of the teenagers he meets in the same situation. He’s been cut loose by his unstable mother, and lost most contact with his two younger brothers. He has nothing but his backpack stuffed with a few precious belongings and the homeless kids he meets. At least he has his theories. No one can take those away from him. Like how every fourth person throws him spare change; how no one does anything for anyone without a price; and how he just might be able to find a place in this complicated world.

Disturbing, gritty, painful, hopeful—this is a story of a sixteen-year-old determined to survive against all odds.