Far From the Tree by Robin Benway by Marissa Posada

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Justification: I chose this title because it is a National Book Award Finalist. I was also curious about how all three characters will interact with each other. Although they are related by blood, they have had very different experiences with families. I come from a fairly traditional family, so a view into other families is interesting. I hope this has a good ending.

Evaluation: This book has a good example of drawing a line in the sand. The book starts with Grace's assumption that she was going to homecoming. She tells the reader what she would have done that day. Instead, on Homecoming Grace was giving birth to her daughter. Grace was so sure that she would go to Homecoming that she never questioned not going. Grace's life took a turn that she never expected to happen. It is obvious to the reader that even though Grace had not planned to not go, something was going to prevent her from making it.

This book has good examples of dialogue that help to flesh out the characters. Maya's comment on how she would give away her sister with a set of steak knives helps the reader understand Maya's personality better. She likes to joke about things when the situation gets awkward. Another example of dialogue fleshing out a character is when the reader meets Raphael Martinez. He comes across Grace crying in the boys restroom and starts rambling to get her to stop. He talks about being non-threatening, being afraid of her, and the odd smell in the restroom. He is able to get Grace to calm down, a complete stranger, but is helpful anyway.

This book has an example of unexpected insight. It should have been obvious that there would be an insight to this book, but because it is realistic fiction is was unexpected. Joaquin, Grace, and Maya are about to leave and go see their bio mom, but Joaquin is upset with how he treated his foster parents. He struggles with the idea that there are people in his life that will be there no matter what. They youngest sibling, Maya has to explain to him what family is, "...family hurts each other. But after that's done you bandage each other up, and you move on. Together." This is a great definition on how family works.

Response: I related to this text because I have two younger siblings. While reading this book I told them how thankful I am that we grew up together. I can't imagine not having my siblings around as I grew up. I agree with the author's views on family. Family is not just those who are related by blood. It is also those people in your life that will be there for you through thick and thin. I really enjoyed this text as entertainment. There were several parts where I teared up and again had to call or text my siblings how thankful I am for them.

Conclusion: This book has examples of drawing a line in the sand, dialogue, and unexpected insights. i can see why this is a National Book Award finalist; it feels as though the characters are my own siblings. I recommend this to everyone. Everyone needs to be thankful for whatever type of family they have.

APA Citation: Benway, R. (2017). Far from the tree. New York: Harper Teen.