Eleven-year-old Charlie struggles with school and friends and his family. The power of this story lies in the strength of each character: the older sister, who sees the positive in everything; the younger brother, who is popular without even trying; and the parents, who seem unaware of the challenges that are confronting their children. Then, the day comes when the "house of cards" seems to collapse, and the family picks up and moves to a houseboat. Are the parents truly thinking? Are they in charge? Does Charlie have a father he can respect and learn from? Ages 10-14 290 pages