Richter's (The Cat
) haunting tale turns an unflinching eye on the life of a homeless boy, Niner (named for his age), and Cosmos, a man he meets on the street. The two dream of living by the sea, and a wealthy bar owner offers them traveling money in exchange for their “most valued possession”—which they believe to be Niner's guardian angel. The “sale” leaves Niner terrified: “When I fall out the window there's not going to be a bush underneath. There's just gonna be cement, you get it?” Indeed, trouble does come, as Cosmos (temporarily) deserts him with the newfound cash and Niner falls ill. Older readers are best suited to this moving but rough-around-the edges tale, with allusions to prostitution and abusive adults (Niner's mother's boyfriend beats them both). Niner's illness is the catalyst to an open-ended conclusion that feels forcedly upbeat and a tad rushed. Nonetheless, Richter presents a darkly poetic, masterfully crafted view of life on the streets. Ages 8–13. (Sept.)
