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Up Country

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About this listen

 A 100 "Best of the Best" ALA Best Books for Young Adults of the Last 25 Years, Up Country is a heart-wrenching, powerful story from an exceptionally talented writer.

Carl knows he's playing with fire every time he fixes up a stolen car stereo to resell. But he needs the money; how else is he going to get away from his boozing mom and her endless parade of classy guys? Then one night his mother's drinking gets out of control and Carl's plan to get himself a decent life takes a nosedive. Sent to live with distant relatives far away from the life he has always known, Carl is faced with a decision: run away and stick with The Plan, or come up with a new one...fast.





 Difficult Situations Family & Relationships Growing Up Literature & Fiction Politics, Society & Current Events

Critic reviews

Praise for Up Country...

"A strong central character...a well-placed, believable plot."—School Library Journal

"Carl's...turnabout is convincing enough to sustain the story's power."—Booklist

"Gripping, satisfying, and heart-wrenching--another winner from a talented writer."—Voya

"A powerful story, memorably told."—Kirkus Reviews

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one of the best YA "Social Issues" I've listened to. The story is a moving but unsentimental view in to the world and escape of a boy who is the child of an alcoholic mother. The reading is quiet but such a good portrayal of the boys character. I loved it.

one of the best

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