SHIFTY

Nicknamed Shifty, Soli has had to use his survival skills for so long that he has a hard time leaving the streets behind when he lands in his new foster family. When he is confronted with the realization that his new foster mother actually trusts him, he has to decide whether to take advantage of her or to settle in to life with his new family. Juggling a part-time job, caring for a high-needs infant and watching over his foster sister are only the beginning. When Martha, his foster mother, is hospitalized, Soli has to figure out how to keep everything stable while she is away. Soli’s good intentions are thwarted by both his own poor judgment and external trials. This combination of personal flaws and situational difficulties create a realistic story that resonates. Smart writing and an engaging narrative keep the story fresh, while an interesting plot will keep readers turning the pages. (Fiction. 12 & up)