Motorcycles, Sushi & One Strange Book

Between struggling with ADHD and coping with her bipolar mother's "In-Bed" and "No-Bed" phases, 15-year-old Jessie has plenty on her plate. Her chaotic life takes an unexpected turn when her father, whom she thought was dead, enters her life. Her mother responds by swallowing pills, forcing Jessie to accept her father as temporary guardian and return with him to his Florida home. There, Jessie experiences responsible parental supervision, learns strategies for managing her ADHD, meets her jealous younger sister, and encounters her father's faith—a blend of Christianity and 12-step programs, which helped save him from his "demons." A supernatural element weaves seamlessly into the narrative when Jessie discovers a "strange book" about a healer named Yeshua (the stories are based on scripture, named in an appended list). Despite her reading problems, Jessie can easily decipher and relate to the book's colloquial tone. Sympathetic supporting characters, along with Jessie's self-deprecating humor and emotional vulnerability, lend Rue's (the Faithgirlz Lily, Sophie, and Lily series) first offering in the Real Life series depth and tenderness. Also available: Boyfriends, Burritos & an Ocean of Trouble. Ages 13–16. (Apr.)