Fern and her siblings are named for book characters: Sarah - The Little Princess; Holden - The Catcher in the Rye; Fern - Charlotte's Web; and Charlie - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The family owns a restaurant/ice cream parlor and all are involved in the business and advertising. Sarah as taken a year off after high school and is going with a worker at the restaurant. Fern feels invisible and sorry for her gay brother who is bullied on the bus. Charlie is just adorable. Fern's mother needs time alone to meditate and Fern is often left responsible for Charlie. He escapes her care one day, is almost run over, and dies the next day from subdural hematoma. The entire family grieves and blames themselves. Ran and Carrie go with Fern to Homecoming and Holden goes with Gray. All learn to pull together and survive the vicissitudes of life. This is a touching look at the trauma of being gay and being bullied and the difference a supportive family can make during life's difficult times.
Truman Award Preliminary Nominee 2014-15
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