The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie Sue Hitchcock
Before Alaska became a state, Ruth has a loving family. When her father is killed in an accident, she goes to live with her very harsh and disapproving grandmother. This story brings in four teens as voices in various chapters who all make difficult choices.
Harsh is the life that these teens live. Courage is their choice, and they make it with intensity. One of the teens in an Inupiat Indian living with an Athabascan family. All of the stories wrap around and into each other as the characters interact. This slight book describes a time and population rarely seen in teen literature.
And the smells! Rich writing brings the odors and sounds into your senses.
Recommended 12 up
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