Far from the Tree

This is a poignant and powerful tale about three adopted teens separated by circumstance but brought together in love. Told in alternating points of view, Far from the Tree follows three teens with complicated relationships to their origin stories. Recovering from her pregnancy and putting up baby "Peach" for adoption, Grace feels a kinship to her own biological mother, even though she adores her adoptive parents. Maya knows she's privileged but she feels jealous that she's obviously different from her sister Lauren, who's roughly her age but her adoptive parents' biological child. Meanwhile, Joaquin wasn't as lucky as the sisters he'd never met. Half-Latino, he, unlike the girls, was never adopted and went from foster home to foster home. Finally with a couple who love him, Joaquin is so scared to lose them he's not sure he fully believes in unconditional love.

The way the trio of siblings bonds is believable, humorous, and also emotional to read. Their fast connection emboldens each of them to face their fears and overcome personal obstacles. Also in the mix is Rafe, a new friend of Grace's who cares about and supports her in a way none of her pre-Peach friends could. As they slowly, slowly build to a romance, it's clear Rafe (who's Latino, like Joaquin) is one of the best potential boyfriends in contemporary young adult literature. Author Robin Benway never idealizes any of the characters; they're each utterly authentic, and she explores the overwhelming positives to adoption but also the sadness and loss associated with it. A must-read for teens who enjoy realistic fiction, this award-winning novel is both heartbreaking and uplifting in the best ways.