A List of Cages

Starred review from October 17, 2016
Roe draws from her work with at-risk teens to create her first novel, a psychologically taut tale of foster brothers unexpectedly reunited. The story alternates between the perspectives of Adam, the son of a social worker, and Julian, who lived at Adam’s house for a time after his parents died. Seven years later, Julian, who currently lives with his uncle, enters the same high school where Adam is a senior. Adam again finds himself playing the role of big brother to Julian, but besides having grown older, some things about Julian have changed: he’s quieter, his clothes don’t fit, and he seems to be sick too often. After drawing grim conclusions about Julian’s home life and guardian, Adam opts not to speak out, a decision that could have serious consequences. Roe gives a close-up view of two teens with disabilities (Julian has dyslexia, Adam has been diagnosed with ADHD) while building a sharp contrast between their views of the world and sense of normalcy. Written with honesty and compassion, this book will resonate with a wide range of readers. Ages 12–up. Agent: Peter Steinberg, Foundry Literary + Media.

Two excellent narrators deliver the alternating first-person accounts of this audiobook's two protagonists. Graham Halstead depicts confident, kind 18-year-old Adam. Adam may have ADHD and severe clumsiness, but friends flock to him. Christopher Gebauer's portrayal of 14-year-old Julian, Adam's former foster brother, stands in stark contrast. Gebauer depicts a withdrawn, near-invisible boy who would do anything to avoid human contact. When the two are reunited in school, Adam's sunny disposition bolsters wary, reticent Julian. Adam comes to suspect Julian's feelings are more than grief for his parents. Meanwhile, Julian's chapters reveal physical and emotional cruelties perpetrated by his uncle and guardian. Both narrators realistically register emotional changes as Adam's self-doubt grows and Julian better understands the abuse he experienced. The interplay of both voices produces a psychologically gripping story. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine