• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 7 to 12

Jenny dealt with the stress by forgiving her mom—over and over and over again.

This collection of ten true stories is based on interviews with people who, in their youth, lived with an addicted parent or sibling. The subjects speak honestly about what it was like to grow up with a family member addicted to alcohol, drugs, food, pills, or gambling.

While describing how they managed to cope, interviewees explore the full range of situations and emotions they experienced—from denial, anger, and confusion to acceptance and forgiveness.

Their maturity, sensitivity, and even their sense of humor will give teens going through similar situations the important realization that there are many ways to break free from the chains of others’ addictions.

Chloe Shantz-Hilkes was born in Kitchener, Ontario, to a family that has been changing and growing ever since. Her parents divorced when she was young and both remarried, leaving her with a delightfully complicated bevy of half-siblings, step-parents and partners, cousins-once-removed, and more. This has given her a deep appreciation for the role that family—whether big, or small; neat, or sloppy—can play in life.Since preschool, Chloe has enjoyed reading and telling stories. Growing up, her various families’ copies of The Balloon Tree, by Phoebe Gilman, and Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch, were well-worn and well-loved. By the time she reached middle school, Chloe was a full-fledged bookworm, almost always engrossed in a book by a fantasy or science-fiction author such as Tamora Pierce or Orson Scott Card. And ever since eschewing grade 12 chemistry and calculus in favor of Shakespeare, Anne Michaels, and four English credits, stories have become her professional focus too.In university, Chloe studied journalism, and went on to work as a radio producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. There, she covered everything from devastating earthquakes, to art exhibitions, infectious disease outbreaks, and the Olympic Games. In the process, she learned that fantasy is only half the story, and that real life is filled with some of the very best plot lines. That understanding eventually led her to her first book with Annick Press, Hooked: When A

Chloe Shantz-Hilkes' profile page

Decode is a global strategic consultancy based in Toronto that helps clients “decode” what young people think, feel, want, need, believe in, and aspire to.

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• Short-listed, Best Books for Kids and Teens

“… varied and honest enough that readers with addiction in their own families will likely find plenty to relate to …”—Kirkus Reviews, 06/13

“Living with an addicted family member has to be difficult, and for those young adults facing the challenge, this is a book which will truly ‘hit home’.”—CM Reviews, 06/13

“… honest and insightful.”—Reading Today Online, 06/03/13

… shines a light on how addiction affects more than just ... the addict... a very well done book …

The real life anecdotes are powerfully told … by teens who actually live with an addicted family member.

“ … shines a light on how addiction affects more than just ... the addict... a very well done book …”—Mrs. Cejda’s Book Blog, 08/20/14

The honesty of these stories is a testament to the strength of these children … a worthwhile read for any teenager living with family members with addiction.

“The honesty of these stories is a testament to the strength of these children … a worthwhile read for any teenager living with family members with addiction.”—The Great Unread, 08/24/13

Living with an addicted family member has to be difficult, and for those young adults facing the challenge, this is a book which will truly ‘hit home’.

“… a candid, raw read, but those in similar situations will see that they are not alone …”—Waterloo Region Record, 06/08/13

“… puts a real face on what addictions do to those around them ... [A] powerful and moving read.” —Resource Links, 06/13

Any teen who is going through a similar situation … will be comforted to find that they are not alone.

“Any teen who is going through a similar situation … will be comforted to find that they are not alone.”—Canadian Children’s Book New,10/13

… a candid, raw read, but those in similar situations will see that they are not alone …

Searingly honest …

… puts a real face on what addictions do to those around them ... [A] powerful and moving read.

… varied and honest enough that readers with addiction in their own families will likely find plenty to relate to …

… honest and insightful.

“Searingly honest …”—School Library Journal, 09/09/14

“The real life anecdotes are powerfully told … by teens who actually live with an addicted family member.”—muskokaregion.com, 07/13/14