Breaking into Sunlight
By: John Cochran
Genre: Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 304
Published: June 18, 2024
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Dates Read: August 30, 2024 - August 31, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: parent drug use, parent addiction, overdose

Reese is a seventh-grader who loves drawing, basketball, and his parents. But one day after school, Reese comes home to his worst nightmare – his dad on the floor, lips turning blue, overdosed. Again. After calling 911 and getting his dad help, Reese expects everything to go on like it did the last time, but for his mom, this was the breaking point. Until Reese’s dad really gets the help that he needs, Reese and his mom are leaving, moving into a rundown trailer outside of town. Reese is furious with his mom for leaving his dad when he needs them, scared for his dad who’s not answering calls or texts, and terrified his friends will find out his family’s biggest secret. 

But then he meets Meg and Charlie, siblings who have also been stranded by circumstances outside of their control. As the trio get to know more about each other, Reese discovers beauty and joy in nature – especially the river down the pathway of the property they are staying at. His dad also seems to be doing better and is talking with his mom again. But how long can these good times last?

This middle grade book deals with a heavy topic matter – parent addiction, and it does so with compassionate care for all parties. This allowed Reese to go through and process his emotions, between anger, sadness, anxiety, depression, and everything in between. Addiction is a topic that unfortunately tends to be treated like it needs to be hidden and to be ashamed about. What Reese and his family go through will really relate to children who may be going through something similar. 

I am so happy I got to read this novel, and to know that it exists in the world for younger readers so they don’t feel alone – and for those who haven’t experienced it, to open the door of understanding. Even though it is for younger readers, I do see older readers, and adults getting something out of this read too.

*Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review