The latest release from the author of the Vanderbeekers 7-book series (which I have not yet read), A Duet for Home is the story of June Yang, her younger sister Maybelle, and their mom. After losing their dad and husband, the family becomes homeless, and mom goes silent. June is basically caring for Maybelle, as well as navigating a forced move to a homeless shelter. At the shelter, June befriends two pranksters, Tyrell and Jeremiah, albeit reluctantly at first. Together, these kids navigate life at Huey House, the New York homeless site where changes are coming - quickly! - and not necessarily good ones.
Author Glaser explains in her notes her adult experiences with homelessness and it is clear throughout the book that she knows about the system that June and her family are thrust into. Through it all these kids all have hopes and dreams, as any kid does, but with the added uncertainties that being homeless brings. And June does so well as a teen "adult", which is commendable but also infuriating - why do some kids have to be adults long before they're supposed to be?
A Duet for Home is a good book, although several times I found myself thinking forward of what I might read next. Sometimes that is just my doggie brain not being able to focus, and sometimes it's a sign that the writing, although good and important, isn't compelling. I can't immediately recall a book that this reminds me of, which is a good thing, I think! It isn't too "this author" or "that genre". It's a good book, just not amazing. If the topics I've mentioned have meaning for you, you would probably like this read! If not, it wouldn't be a bad book to choose as your next read, but I'm not sure it will be your all-time favorite. 4 paws.