I had been wanting to read this book for a while now and never really made the time to do it. It had fallen off my radar and I recently spotted it and made the purchase:) I am glad that I did and now am in need of the second book in the series, Sky On Fire! 
 My first thought after reading this book was WOW! This could totally happen? 
 I found the strength portrayed in all of the kids amazing! They ranged from Kindergarten through to eighth grade. Obviously, the eighth graders were "in charge" so to speak. The way that they made the store fun for the little kids was very courageous and I am not so sure that I, if in the same situation, would be able to think that fast under such duress. 
 I loved all of the characters, even the not so nice ones. But my favorite would have to be Dean. All of the kids had changed during the course of the book, but, in my opinion he changed the most. From the scene on the bus where he is in shock and unable to move to the cliffhanger ending. He had been able to become a stronger person and challenge himself. 
 The ending was a little sad. *not telling, my lips are sealed* But I did enjoy it. I usually tend to NEED a lot of romance in my books and although there was a smidge, I still felt compelled to read. I can't wait to get the next book and find out what will become of these characters and am curious how Ms. Laybourne continues her story. Still from Dean's POV or will it be split between 2 different characters?