"I'm not mad. I was just waiting to
see what you would say.
You're not mad?
No, I'm not.
I'm disappointed.
Disappointed! That's worse than if
he were mad!"
So many changes in Lonnie's life; it's not easy. He likes living with his mom and his sister, but he misses his dad. His fervent wish is for his dad to come back home. His parents' divorce is embarrassing to Lonnie. Dealing with family issues like divorce make him feel different. Some of his friends tease him about the fact that his parents no longer come to school together to pick him up or drop him off. He asks both to meet him a block away. That way no one takes notice.
Time spent with his dad happens after school, when his father picks him up to drive him home. It isn't easy for Lonnie to talk about his feelings with either parent. Both ask what is bothering him; and each says they want to help. It isn't until he gets in trouble at school for bullying that he finally explains how much he wants things to go back to the way they were.
It takes many car trips with his father to begin to talk about things that are important to him. Together, they find that they have interests in common, and their relationship improves. Knowing that he can talk about his thoughts and feelings paves a new path for Lonnie and a happier life.
This graphic novel is designed to show the emotions felt by the whole family, often using wordless panels to move the story toward an acceptable and satisfying conclusion. The author blends text and artwork to create a story that middle graders will find appealing.
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