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About The Book

Looking for Alaska meets Breaking Bad in this “winding, twisty” (Kirkus Reviews) novel about three teens, caught in the middle of the opioid crisis in rural Appalachia, whose world literally blows up around them.

For as long as Miri can remember it’s been her and her dad, Poe, in Paradise—what Poe calls their home—hidden away from prying eyes in rural Kentucky. It’s not like Miri doesn’t know what her dad does or why people call him “the Wizard.” It’s not like she doesn’t know why Clay, her one friend and Poe’s right-hand man, patrols the grounds with a machine gun. It’s nothing new, but lately Paradise has started to feel more like a prison.

Enter Fen. The new kid in town could prove to be exactly the distraction Miri needs…but nothing is ever simple. Poe doesn’t take kindly to strangers. Fen’s DEA agent father is a little too interested in Miri’s family. And Clay isn’t satisfied with being just friends with Miri anymore. But what’s past is prologue—it’s what will follow that will wreck everything.

Shining a klieg light on the opioid crisis coursing through this country, Wrecked will have readers on the edge of their seat right up until the explosive ending.

About The Author

Photograph by Kirk Schlea

Heather Henson lives on a farm in Kentucky with her husband and three children, is the managing director of the Pioneer Playhouse, and is the author of several critically acclaimed picture books and novels, including Dream of Night, The Whole Sky, and the Christopher Award–winning That Book Woman.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (March 22, 2022)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442451094
  • Grades: 7 and up
  • Ages: 12 - 99
  • Lexile ® HL720L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

A suspenseful story of love and violence set in the backwoods of Kentucky’s methamphetamine trade. — Georgia Christgau

– School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW*, 6/3/2022

An intense story of love, friendship, and family that takes unexpected turns.

– Kirkus Reviews, 1/1/2022

This story provides a much-needed voice for those who live in rural America and who seek relatable characters in literature. Nancy Jean Hawkins, School Librarian, Franklin County High School, Brookville, Indiana

– School Library Connection *RECOMMENDED*, 5/1/2022

This love story packs a powerful punch, boasting suspense and edge-of-the-seat action.

– Publishers Weekly, 4/18/2022

A suspenseful story of love and violence set in the backwoods of Kentucky’s methamphetamine trade. — Georgia Christgau

– School Library Journal, *STARRED REVIEW*, 6/3/2022

An intense story of love, friendship, and family that takes unexpected turns.

– Kirkus Reviews, 1/1/2022

This story provides a much-needed voice for those who live in rural America and who seek relatable characters in literature. Nancy Jean Hawkins, School Librarian, Franklin County High School, Brookville, Indiana

– School Library Connection *RECOMMENDED*, 5/1/2022

This love story packs a powerful punch, boasting suspense and edge-of-the-seat action.

– Publishers Weekly, 4/18/2022

Awards and Honors

  • ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Heather Henson