'Metaphor and figurative language make the prose here beautiful to read. For fans of Patrick Ness and Lauren Oliver, this is a must buy.' - School Library Journal, starred review, on WHEN LIGHT LEFT US What makes it stand out is Thomas's talent of bringing intimacy, thoughtfulness, and a sense of wonder to her writing. 'A compelling, character-driven, and imaginative novel. The story of friendship between queer protagonists is refreshing.' - School Library Journal 'This book stands out for its sensitive and complex depiction of disability, queerness, and classism. 'Both an alluring criminal mystery and a savvy contemplation of how identity is informed by a million histories, both small and large. 'The book's real stars are its poignantly explored issues: love, social class, sexuality, homophobia, and the cycles of poverty and abuse.' - Kirkus Reviews YA authors looking to incorporate meaningful and moving LGBTQ stories into their novels: Take notes.' - Entertainment Weekly 'It's refreshing to read teens having thoughtful conversations without losing their particular voices. Thomas' forthright, sensitive treatment of homosexuality, class, race, and prejudice combine with fully developed characters to create a world peopled by marvelously real protagonists who have the courage to do the right thing.' - Booklist, starred review 'Morris finalist Thomas' poetic, figurative language beautifully defines each narrator. Parker, acclaimed author of THE GIRL WHO FELL and THE RATTLED BONES 'Fiercely feminist and gorgeously inclusive, Wild and Crooked effortlessly compels the reader to explore what it means to discover the beautiful truth of who you are, and how to fight for the truth of those you love.' - Shannon M. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. Can they break free from a legacy of inherited lies and chart their own paths forward? And when the accepted version of the truth is questioned, Kalyn and Gus are caught in the center of a national uproar. When Gus meets Kalyn, her frankness is refreshing, and they form a deep friendship. A Samsboro native, he's either known as the 'disabled kid' because of his cerebral palsy, or as the kid whose dad was murdered. Gus Peake has never had the luxury of redefining himself.

or face the lingering anger of Samsboro's citizens, who refuse to forget the crime.

Forced to return to town, Kalyn must attend school under a pseudonym. In Samsboro, Kentucky, Kalyn Spence's name is inseparable from the brutal murder her father committed when he was a teenager. Critically-acclaimed author Leah Thomas blends a small-town setting with the secrets of a long-ago crime, in a compelling novel about breaking free from the past.

Wild and crooked by leah thomas