Praise for The Free "A tight, claustrophobic novel that veers between the terror and camaraderie of incarceration; I don't know when I've read a more empathic novel, and it's been a long time since I read one that was more sorrowful and joyful at the same time."
--Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author of Homeland "A spellbinding novel about crime, taking responsibility, and finding a new path to justice."
--Scott Westerfeld, New York Times bestselling author of Uglies and Spill Zone "A 16-year-old boy works to overcome a lifetime of obstacles in this riveting YA novel about life in 'juvie.' Brilliant."
--Shelf Awareness, Starred Review "A Boston-area youth in juvenile detention finds redemption in stories--his and his fellow inmates' . . . A penetrating look at the power in the stories we tell ourselves."
--Kirkus Reviews "Tightly woven, well-paced, emotionally framed, McLaughlin's novel presents Isaac's life: his irresponsible mother; his wonderfully brave younger sister; and what he is willing to do to provide Janelle with a safe environment. He has broken some laws and done some bad things, but he is the hero of this story."
--VOYA "The story is cinematically gritty, sort of a cross between
Boys Town and
Dead Poets Society, with lots of enjoyably dramatic breakthroughs in the therapy group and convincing details about racial and personal dynamics in detention (mixed-race Isaac has no obvious crew)."
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Praise for Lauren McLaughlin
"Artfully fractured and wickedly smart, a brilliant screwball comedy about love, self-knowledge and the secret identities inside all of us."
--Scott Westerfeld "The sci-fi plot is so unique, so downright weird, it will keep the pages turning."
--Chicago Tribune "This original contemporary fantasy will circulate widely, leaving readers hoping that McLaughlin has many more such fresh, edgy books already in the editorial pipeline."
--Booklist "A complex, philosophical exploration into gender politics and the mutability of identity."
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books