Personally I thought this was an excellent graphic novel. I read this one because it was nominated for a National Book award in the Young Peoples category. Though entered in this category, I would not recommend this title for anyone under the age of 16. Emotional abuse, sex, a little swearing, and some images of smoking are found throughout. I would recommend this title for older mature teens as this book would lend itself well for discussion, a great book to read along with your older teen.

I read the advanced reader's copy of this book, actually given to me and autographed by Small himself at a national library conference. He cautioned me not to have any children read it; so I read it at night when the kids were in bed. A very frank look at a really disturbing childhood. That Small was able to overcome everything he experienced/witnessed as a child could be inspirational but only to those older than 17. It does send a very good message about getting professional help and how mental health professionals saved his life. However, once I read it, I felt uncomfortable keeping it in the house. I was worried that if my [tween] kids found the graphic novel on a shelf, they may pick it up thinking it was something they could read. Did it deserve a National Book Award-yes, for young peoples, no.