Alison Reads

Parallel stories of two boys abandoned by their fathers told in spare blank verse. One story is the biblical one of Ishmael and the other is about modernday Sam, whose father has a new wife and son. Both boys rely on their faith in God to help them adjust to their new status. A quick read, somewhat confusing since it jumps back and forth in time. A YRCA 2008 nominee for grades 10-12, it is also suitable for middle schoolers. A warning to those who were upset by the word “scrotum” in The Higher Power of Lucky: this book contains the word “foreskin” in a brief reference to Ishmael’s circumcision ceremony.