Reading Metrics
Description
Just before the 1991 Gulf War begins, sixteen-year-old Border Baker and his father a Vietnam War draft resister move to a small, close-knit town. Adjusting to a new school and community, Border faces the townspeople's curiosity and skepticism about his father's past while wrestling with his own questions about identity and belonging. As the world teeters on the brink of war, he must find a way to make a home in a place that feels both unfamiliar and unwelcoming.
Quick Summary
Set against the tension of the 1991 Gulf War, the story follows sixteen-year-old Border Baker and his dad a Vietnam draft resister as they move into a tiny town that doesn't quite know what to make of them. Border's voice is snarky and honest, blending the usual teen-style awkwardness with the weight of a family secret about protest and war. It's a good fit for readers who like realistic fiction that tackles big questions without getting too heavy, while still keeping the pacing light enough to pull in reluctant readers. The small-town setting gives the book a cozy, almost sitcom vibe, but underneath there's a real exploration of identity, loyalty, and what it means to stand up for your beliefs. If you enjoyed the teen-perspective drama of "The Outsiders," you'll probably find this one hits the same notes.