"Compelling . . . Choldenko creates in Natalie a believable fictional character, not just a diagnosis.”

—Chicago Tribune

"A sensitive portrait of autism and how it affects a family . . .an affecting novel."

—KLIATT

"This refreshingly original novel locks it all up: humor, intrigue and genuine emotion."

—Family Fun, Northampton, MA

"Choldenko seamlessly blends laugh-out-loud humor with high drama in this fast-paced book."

—Sacramento Bee

Recommended by Walter Mayes (Walter, the Giant Storyteller) in the Contra Costa Times, and also recommended on Writer's Voice Radio and in The Boston Globe, The Buffalo News, The Oregonian, and Byline

"A poignant and entertaining novel that manages to mix such serious issues as special needs and Depression-era poverty with an excitingly dangerous setting and believable, flawed and ultimately appealing characters."

—Book of the Week, Forth Worth Star Telegram

"This is a fun read for young adults about the notorious prison called the Rock."

—The Union Prospector

All county read, Napa County, Solano County, CA