I became intrigued with John Cochran’s account in Writer’s Digest in the “Breaking In” column with his move from journalism to writing a novel for middle graders and requested an Advance Reading Copy of Breaking Into Sunlight from Net Galley. Two things that he noted struck a chord with me. He credited his journalism background for preparation for editing and for accepting criticism. Then he went on to emphasize how important a writing community becomes. I would agree with both adding the caveat that my years as a junior high language arts teacher would substitute for his journalism experience.
His novel covers seventh-grader Reese’s story as he deals with an addicted father. He is torn between his sympathy for his mother who works and tries to maintain a home and his yearning to be with his fun-loving father. His firm belief that his father would be helped if he and his mother remain with him contrasts sharply with her need to keep Reese safe and compel his father to face his demons. Reese also wants to keep his family troubles private so others don’t look down on him.
John Cochran writes a middle grade novel that rings true as Reese deals with the changes his father’s addiction bring to his life and the discovery that he is not alone in having a family that falls short of perfect.
Advertising for the book states that one in eight kids live with a parent with a substance-abuse problem. This makes this book really pertinent to our times and a very good discussion starter for those young people who are trying to figure out the best way to deal with the hand that life has given them.