This book leaves me feeling the way I did after reading [b:Invisible Lines|6472184|Invisible Lines|Mary Amato|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320503651s/6472184.jpg|6663309]-- like I was granted a moment of time in the life of the main character, and because of that I can take that insight back to my students. Bryan is a good kid, he has a close relationship with his family, keeps his grades up, and pretty much keeps to himself. When his parents encourage him to befriend Mike, Bryan does. At first he is excited about their shared interest in both drawing and reading comics. But little by little, Bryan doubts Mike's character. There's a lot of drama with Mike, and Bryan doesn't like it. But how does he follow his heart while following his parents' wish for him to be friends with Mike?

This story deals with friendship, family, and doing what is right because it's the right thing to do. It also deals with the pressure put on young men to defend themselves physically, and to be anything but "soft."