Crowned one of the year's Best Books by Kirkus and PW, this is the story of a fiercely independent nonconformist, Quagmire, who must recalibrate his formidable survival skills when his mother’s unstable mental health forces him to build a new life and forge ties with found family. Recipient of FIVE starred reviews!

Wry humor and sharp insight capture the distinctive voice of a young teen forced by his mother’s unstable mental health to recalibrate his outlook and build a new life with found family. For fans of Gary D. Schmidt and Rebecca Stead.

A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK * A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK * FIVE STARRED REVIEWS!

Quagmire Tiarello prides himself on not needing anything from anybody. Sure, his mom is skipping work again and showing signs of going into one of her full-out spins, but it’s nothing he can’t handle. He’s used to her up-and-down moods, even if this time it feels a little different.

Then his mom disappears, and Quag must find shelter with an uncle he didn't know he had. Should he come clean about his mother’s mental health challenges? Or can he use his carefully honed skills to bluff long enough to find his mom and get home? Readers will root for Quag as he finds himself rethinking his world and learning to accept help from the people who love him.