• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

After his girlfriend’s accidental death by overdose, Kipp has been living on the streets, overwhelmed by his grief.

He wants to honor her memory and finds help to get clean, but just when he feels like he’s getting his life together, everything comes crashing down. He gets fired from his job and kicked out of his rented room on the same day. So when Reba, a friendly woman he met at the shelter, offers him a job and a place to live, he leaps at the chance. This is his lucky break. But when a girl comes to Reba's house looking for her missing brother, Kipp starts to wonder what Reba's real story is and if his lucky break might actually be a nightmare.

Born in London, Ontario, Jocelyn always knew she would be a writer. She has attended The Humber School for Writers, and writes for both children and adults. Her award-winning stories have appeared in anthologies, newspapers and magazines. Her books for teens include Getting A Life, Cross My Heart and Seraphina's Circle. Getting a Life and Cross My Heart were Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" selections. Seraphina's Circle was nominated for the 2007/2008 BC Stellar Award, listed in Resource Links Best of 2006, and featured in the Anne of Green Gables Book Club.

Jocelyn Shipley's profile page

• Commended, YALSA Quick Picks
• Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“Does exactly what it sets out to do – create a gripping and realistic thriller that will engage and keep readers involved until the end. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“These engaging, fast-paced books...depict difficult topics with sensitivity.”

School Library Journal

“Kipp is a plucky and introspective narrator whose struggles will likely resonate with readers...A sensitive survivor story for reluctant readers.”

Kirkus Reviews