Casey is hiding a secret. He's keeping it together for himself and for his dad. If he can run home and clean things up...if he can make dinner and do his chores...if he can get his homework done...if he can go to school on time and keep up his grades...if he can wear a false smile and pretend nothing is wrong...then everyone will believe it, right?When his best friend Oscar pushes him, Casey gets defensive, claiming he has "stuff to do." Oscar wonders why Casey can't hang out anymore. Why does he always have to rush home?Casey is beginning to show cracks in his put on fascade. He's getting short tempered. He's yelling at friends. People are beginning to notice. When his aunt Julie asks him to help her, Casey doesn't know what to do. Should he rat out his dad?The Prince of Denial shows how families can get damaged by substance abuse. One member may be the user, but the use affects the entire family dynamic.I was surprised there were no hotline phone numbers for alcohol abuse or Al-Anon listed in the back of the book. Teens who are drawn to this story may be searching for answers. It would be helpful to have some links to helpful information sites and hotline numbers.Recommended grade 8-up. Although Casey is in middle school, his problem/solution is for more mature readers.
Ages 13 and up 212 pages
Recommended by: Pamela Thompson, Librarian, Texas USA
For more of her recommendations: https://booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com/
