SYNC

A gritty, powerful novel in verse that follows California siblings as they navigate the foster care system.

After a rough placement at age 12, twins Storm and Lake were separated by the state and haven’t seen each other since. Storm has been in juvie, though he’s finally settled, with a decent foster parent and a new girlfriend, Jaidyn. Lake’s position living with a strict Christian family is tenuous, complicated by the fact that she’s falling for her lesbian roommate, Parker. A reunion allows the 17-year-olds to reestablish “our sync”—reading each other’s thoughts and body language with ease. But as quickly as they’ve reconnected, they’re ripped apart when Storm is arrested for avenging Jaidyn’s sexual assault by an ex. Lake and Parker’s luck is no better; they run away and begin to deal drugs to stay afloat. The twins both hit rock bottom: Lake encounters unimaginable violence while living on the streets, and Storm is placed in a juvenile detention center yet again. Through it all, they hold on to hopes of reuniting and finding their sync again. The twins’ dual perspectives are told in poignant, unflinching free verse, with natural breaks according to teenage speech patterns, and the narrative doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of a broken foster care system. Though the siblings face relentless abuse and tragedy, the conclusion is ultimately hopeful, if tied up a bit too neatly. Most characters are cued white.

A wrenching and necessary read.