THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES BY C G DREWS

Sam and Avery Lou are as close as brothers can be, including the times when they yell at each other and are so frustrated they can barely do more than yell. Their mum walked out, leaving them with a violent father who refused to take care of them. Dumping them on their Aunt Karen’s doorstep and leaving for good, the boys are left in the care of a woman who also makes it clear she doesn’t want them.

15-year-old Sam is two years younger than Avery but he is the one who must look out for his big brother. Avery has autism, and Sam is the only one who knows, or takes the time, to calm his tics and his serious melt downs.

Their dream is to have a house of their own where they will be safe and free of people who wish them harm. Sam and Avery can’t go back to their aunt so Sam breaks into houses to sleep and find clothes or things to steal.

One night, he breaks into a house and the family return. The De Lainey’s are a mad, rough and tumble family that mistakenly accept him as one of the kid’s friends. From there on, Sam is beguiled by the siblings and especially Moxie, their strong and vocal 15-year-old sister. He becomes addicted to their family life and a deep friendship grows between Moxie and Sam.

But Sam’s past catches up to him and everything spirals out of control. How will he explain and gain forgiveness from Moxie? How can he persuade Avery to abandon the bad crowd he has joined?

C G Drews’ CBCA Shortlisted novel is a brilliant picture of family life verses and homelessness. We see the world from Sam’s point of view and gain insights into just how hard it is to live on the streets. And when no one will listen and all you want to do is protect the ones you love.

 For Ages: 12 + years

Number of Pages: 347 paperback.

Published: April 2019

Themes: Family, autism, homelessness.

Rating: 4/5