SYNOPSIS

Due to intense social anxiety, Brian is school bullies’ frequent target and spends a lot time alone.

His 13th birthday is terrible – dad goes into hiding from the police and mom attempts to commit suicide with pills.

Brian and his younger brother Richie are taken to an elderly foster family which neither boy likes.

Without knowledge of his family troubles, Ezra begins to bond with Brian over music and books.

After a brief two nights on the lam, Brian and Richie are re-housed at the home of Brian’s teacher, Mrs. Clelland.

She and her high-school-aged son Gave becomes Brian’s confidantes and supporters as he re-engages with mom in the psychiatric unit before her return home.

Dad turns himself in to face the consequences of his illegal actions.

Ezra and his friends help Brian tackle his anxiety and feel better at school.

PERFECT AGE 11 – 14

We love

• Visibility into and sensitive treatment toward a less-talked-about topic, parental mental health issues and the resulting inability to parent well.
• Ezra’s self-discovery that he is gay does not harm his friendships, on the contrary – his friends support him and appreciate his confidence in them.
• Brian’s struggles with his parents, his anxiety and his deep emotionality make his “negative” behavior toward the foster family understandable and the situation that much more complex to resolve.
• The great bond between Brian and Gabe is hopeful and soul-nourishing – young people can truly be there for each other and kindness prevails!

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• Brian’s dad’s crime is not violent but the family is aware that his business activities (cannabis distribution) are illegal (for the moment, explains mom).
• Brian discovers mom unresponsive and surrounded by empty pill bottles; he is the one who calls 911.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Why do you think that Brian didn’t seek help with the school bullies? Why do you think he punched Victor?
• Do you think the foster family did anything wrong to cause Brian and Richie to run away? Why did they run away?
• What may have motivated Mrs. Clelland to open up her house to Brian and Richie?
• How do you think it feels for Brian to have a friend in Ezra? To get support from Kevan, Colby, Ty?