Scowler

Kraus, D. (2013). Scowler. New York: Delacorte.

Ry Burke lives with his mother, sister, and abusive father on their Iowa family farm. A meteorite falls from the sky destroying their farm and freeing Ry and his family from his abusive father's control. When Ry's father returns it pushes Ry to call on some imaginary friends to protect his family.

This book could be followed up by a discussion over the topic of abuse and ways to get help. Kraus' use of the meteorite destroying Ry's family farm demonstrates an apocalyptic event. This twist in the plot of the story allows Ry's family to be set free from their abusive father. Kraus' use of imaginary characters gives the reader a sense of hope that Ry's family will pull through this.