Description

Maya's life has always been chaotic.

Living with a con-man dad, she's spent half her life on the run. Whenever her father's schemes go wrong, Maya finds a scientific way to fix it. But when her dad ends up in prison and foster care fails, Maya grasps at her last hope: a long-lost aunt, who may not even exist.

So Maya formulates a plan, and with two unlikely allies and twenty dollars in her pocket, she sets off in search of this aunt. Life on the streets, though, becomes a struggle for survival—those scientific laws Maya has relied on don't apply. And with each passing day, Maya's definitions of right and wrong are turned upside down when she's confronted with the realities and dangers of life as a runaway. She can't help but wonder if trying to find this aunt—and some semblance of stability—is worth the harrowing journey or if she should compromise and find a way to survive on her own.

About the Author

Heidi Ayarbe grew up in Nevada and has lived all over the world. She now makes her home in Colombia with her husband and daughter. She is also the author of Compulsion, Compromised, and Freeze Frame.

Praise For…

Maya’s narrative of youngster’s who have slipped through the cracks is both heart wrenching and hopeful. An absorbing tale. — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

With a sharp ear for dialogue and prose propelled by a searing urgency, the author plumbs the depths of her characters’ souls for horrors and treasures alike. A poignant portrait. — Kirkus Reviews

A gut-wrenching, terrifyingly authentic story and memorably etched, courageous characters. Reminiscent of Adam Rapp’s 33 Snowfish, this challenging read will leave readers holidng out a faint hope for Maya’s future. — Booklist