Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is Matthew Quick's (author of Silver Linings Playbook) attempt at issue-driven YA, and it's... a lot. Amber lives in a school bus with her alcoholic mom, scrounges for food, and somehow stays cheerful—until she can't anymore.

The book has good intentions: building empathy for homeless teens, showing that poverty isn't a character flaw, modeling resilience. But the 4.2 Amazon rating suggests it doesn't fully land. Issue books can feel preachy or emotionally manipulative when they prioritize the message over the story, and this one might tip that way.

That said, for teens who haven't thought much about homelessness or addiction, this could be genuinely eye-opening. It's not a fun read—it's meant to make you uncomfortable and grateful and more aware. Just know what you're getting into: this is a tearjerker with a capital T, and the 'unimaginable tragedy' means it gets darker before any hope returns.

If your teen is interested in social justice issues and can handle emotional heaviness, this is worth it. If they're looking for escapism or are going through their own tough time, maybe skip it.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17. The heavy themes (homelessness, parental alcoholism, tragedy) require emotional maturity to process. Younger teens may find it eye-opening; older teens might find it a bit heavy-handed. Not for sensitive readers or those dealing with similar trauma.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Models resilience, optimism, and loyalty through Amber's character despite harsh circumstances (homelessness, alcoholic parent). The story centers on maintaining hope and friendship through adversity, though the heavy subject matter (living in a bus, food insecurity, unimaginable tragedy) means it's emotionally intense rather than light. Amber's ability to stay positive is admirable, but the book doesn't shy away from the darkness of her situation.

Imaginative

62

Contemporary realistic fiction that stays grounded in harsh realities rather than inviting creative exploration. The 'rock star of hope' framing suggests some metaphorical thinking, but this is primarily a straightforward story of teen homelessness and survival. Limited world-building or fantastical elements—it's meant to reflect real struggles, not spark imagination in the traditional sense.

Safe

55

Deals with heavy, potentially triggering content: homelessness, parental alcoholism, food insecurity, and an 'unimaginable tragedy' that tests Amber's faith. The synopsis mentions her mom's boyfriend kicked them out, suggesting domestic instability. While there's no indication of graphic violence or sexual content, the emotional weight and trauma themes mean this isn't something a young child should pick up unexpectedly. The 4.2 Amazon rating suggests some readers may have found it difficult.

Enriching

73

Builds empathy for homeless teens and those facing poverty—issues many kids don't understand. Explores resilience, friendship, and maintaining hope when life is brutal. The faith-testing element suggests deeper philosophical questions. However, the Amazon rating of 4.2 (not stellar) and the fact it was adapted into a Netflix film suggests it may lean more toward emotional manipulation than genuine insight. Still, it tackles important social issues.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Builds empathy for teen homelessness and poverty—issues often invisible to privileged kids
Amber's loyalty to her dog Bobby Big Boy and her friends shows the power of relationships even when everything else falls apart
Tackles the complexity of loving a parent who struggles with addiction without demonizing them
Resilience and optimism as character traits are modeled authentically, not in a preachy way
May inspire conversations about privilege, gratitude, and how we judge people experiencing homelessness

⚠

What to Watch For

Heavy emotional content: living in a bus, food insecurity, alcoholic parent, and a major tragedy that's not specified in the synopsis
The 4.2 Amazon rating suggests some readers found it uneven or emotionally manipulative
Faith themes are mentioned—Amber's 'faith and hope' are tested, which may or may not align with your family's beliefs
This is issue-driven YA, so expect some didactic moments about homelessness and systemic poverty

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you saw someone your age who you suspected was homeless? How do you think kids at Amber's school treated her?"
"Amber tries to stay positive no matter what. Is that always healthy, or are there times when it's okay to be angry or sad about your situation?"
"Why do you think the author chose to tell this story? What do you think he wants readers to understand about homelessness?"
"How do you think having an alcoholic parent would affect a teenager? What kind of responsibilities might Amber have that other kids don't?"
"The book mentions an 'unimaginable tragedy.' What do you think that might be, and how would it change someone who's been trying so hard to stay hopeful?"

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