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Far from the Tree

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Far from the Tree by Robin Benway is a young adult novel that follows the intertwined stories of three siblings - Grace, Maya, and Joaquin - who were separated at birth but find each other later in life. The book delves into themes of adoption, foster care, teen pregnancy, family dynamics, and the search for identity. Through multiple perspectives, the author skillfully portrays the struggles and emotional journeys of the characters as they navigate their newfound relationships and confront their past traumas. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on dialogue and authentic teenage voices that resonate with readers.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each facing their own struggles while forming a strong bond as siblings.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward and accessible, characterized by realistic dialogue and a focus on character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around three half-siblings, each with distinct backgrounds and challenges, who come together to seek their biological mother while navigating their complex personal lives.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary and relatable, highlighting the realities of various family dynamics in modern society.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, with smooth transitions between different character perspectives, though some may find parts predictable.
She knew that she’d go, though. She figured that she and her best friend, Janie, would get dressed together, get their hair done together. She knew that her mom would try to be cool about it and not g...

Notes:

The novel revolves around three half-siblings who are brought together after being separated due to adoption and foster care.
Grace, at 16, deals with the emotional aftermath of giving up her baby for adoption and is eager to find her birth mother.
Maya, 15, faces challenges in her picture-perfect life that is falling apart, including a mother who is an alcoholic.
Joaquin, the oldest, has spent most of his life in the foster care system and struggles with trust issues from past experiences.
Despite their different backgrounds, all three siblings share deep emotional connections and support one another.
The story touches upon complex themes such as adoption, foster care, teen pregnancy, and the search for identity.
Each sibling has unique struggles and secrets, making their journey of reconciliation complex and relatable.
The book emphasizes the bond of family, showcasing that family can be formed through both biological and emotional ties.
Maya is portrayed as a strong, feisty character, while Joaquin is depicted as protective and vulnerable due to his past.
The writing is character-driven, allowing readers to deeply connect with each sibling's personal journey.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of teen pregnancy, adoption, foster care trauma, alcoholism, and family dysfunction.

Has Romance?

While romance takes a backseat to the main story, there are romantic elements particularly involving the characters Maya and her girlfriend Claire, as well as Grace and Rafe.

From The Publisher:

National Book Award

National Book Award Winner, PEN America Award Winner, and New York Times Bestseller!

Perfect for fans of This Is Us, Robin Benway's beautiful interweaving story of three very different teenagers connected by blood explores the meaning of family in all its forms-how to find it, how to keep it, and how to love it.

Being the middle child has its ups and downs.

But for Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth, discovering that she is a middle child is a different ride altogether. After putting her own baby up for adoption, she goes looking for her biological family, including-

Maya, her loudmouthed younger bio sister, who has a lot to say about their newfound family ties. Having grown up the snarky brunette in a house full of chipper redheads, she's quick to search for traces of herself among these not-quite-strangers. And when her adopted family's long-buried problems begin to explode to the surface, Maya can't help but wonder where exactly it is that she belongs.

And Joaquin, their stoic older bio brother, who has no interest in bonding over their shared biological mother. After seventeen years in the foster care system, he's learned that there are no heroes, and secrets and fears are best kept close to the vest, where they can't hurt anyone but him.

Don't miss this moving novel that addresses such important topics as adoption, teen pregnancy, and foster care.

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