Pot, and the sale of marijuana, is very much in the news these days in Canada. As the date for legalization looms closer, many are weighing in on the pros and cons of such a law. It will be interesting to see, from all sides, how it impacts our country and its citizens.
It reminds me of this book I read in February, and the fact that I wanted to share it with you. It is a powerful story concerning Isaac and his family, whose occupation is growing illegal marijuana. They live in the mountains of British Columbia where the two children were home schooled in order to keep everyone off the public grid. Judith, Isaac's older sister, broke that pattern when she demanded to be able to attend school in town. She now lives in a old school bus on family land while she works, and Isaac has been allowed to attend high school where he is a senior.
Isaac has done a commendable job of not attracting any attention at school. His art teacher notices his keen artistic ability and encourages that talent. Lucas, who has a locker next to Isaac, has discovered the family secret and uses that knowledge to get his own weekly supply of pot from Isaac for his silence. At home, he does his best to do what is needed to be done, to keep an eye out for anyone who gets to close to the family farm, and to try to keep the peace between his parents and grandfather. It is not an easy life, or comfortable.
When Sam, a girl from school, gets too close to the grow-op while on a hike, Isaac tries to discourage her with a warning about bears. When a bear appears and is dismissed by Isaac's firm voice, Sam notices. She doesn't know the bear is very familiar to Isaac. Isaac escorts her back to the beginning of her hike, and asks her not to mention the encounter with the bear. So much for trusting her. The next day, everyone at school knows, and he is afforded hero status.
Their meeting sets in motion questions, concerns and action. Tanya Lloyd Kyi handles family conflicts with candor and empathy for the teens who are struggling with decisions made for them. Isaac wants to be the son his father wants him to be, but he has hopes and aspirations for a different life. Sam wants her RCMP father to pay attention to her and what she wants. The ethical issues Ms. Kyi's story presents is fodder for some terrific discussions with adolescent readers. I would love to hear what they have to say about the family and friend issues, and the questions that arise given the family's anonymity.
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