I read this as an advanced copy from NetGalley.com. I LOVED this story! So many of the great books I've read lately have been fantasy (Hunger Games series; Going Bovine etc) that is was refreshing to read a story set in the real world, dealing with real themes. 
 Doug Swieteck has just moved with his mom, dad and big brother to "stupid Marysville, NY." Needless to say he's not very thrilled about being the only new kid in 8th grade. He also has a father who expresses his emotions non verbally, bullying his family to make up for his own faults. Making matters worse, right before school begins his brother is accused of robbing the local market. He starts school with all but one teacher treating him as if he were the thief. Through the year with the support of one teacher (and soon more), the librarian/art instructor, his friend Lil and several people in the town, Doug learns to cope with his family situation and builds his self esteem. And my description in no way does justice to the beautiful first person narration. Doug tells his story well.