Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins (review)

The odds are stacked against Calvin, whose drug-addict father went to prison shortly after Calvin’s mother died, and who’s been living with his aunt; it’s not surprising that troubled Calvin is constantly pulling pranks, having meltdowns, or running off. It’s also not surprising that his cousin, Hannah, who shares narration with Calvin in this free-verse novel, is frustrated with his behavior. When his father is released from prison, however, he wants Calvin back in his custody while Calvin wants to stay where he is; the dispute boils over in a dangerous situation at Calvin’s school. Hopkins uses her familiar verse to take readers on an emotional rollercoaster as Calvin’s character comes into focus; initially he’s merely a short-tempered kid with behavioral issues (he’s actually diagnosed with PTSD), but as the story unfolds the roots of familial dysfunction are revealed. It’s also believable Hannah both resents her cousin and genuinely cares about him, recognizing his need for friendship and stability. The author’s note about her own family experiences with addiction and behavioral challenges is almost as poignant as the text, and the quick pace makes it easy to devour, enticing fans to check out the rest of Hopkins’ oeuvre.