While researching a school report on the Vietnam War, Toby Chase discovers that his mother is a wanted fugitive, a fact that explains why they move to a new city and change their names every few months.

“Taut and suspenseful, this is both an exciting mystery and a poignant coming-of-age story. Toby's casual, contemporary narrative voice will have readers racing to the climax, yet the people and places are drawn with beautiful economy. The child's loving bond with the fugitive parent is at the center of the story, and the excitement of the chase is infused with the longing for home.” – Booklist

“All the characters are well developed, but Toby is especially real and likable, which makes his habit of stealing and his longing for people and a past heartbreaking. Ryan does a great job of alternating the tension of life on the run with the precious patches of normalcy and calm.” – Starred review, School Library Journal

“A solid entertaining YA debut by Ryan. The Vietnam War era- fugitive radical plot is topical and involving, and the relationship between mother and son is compassionate and realistic. The novel is well written, suspenseful, and recommended. The story is fast paced and the characterizations are on the mark. Mom is a dreamy aging hippie whose youthful idealism led her to a life underground. Her endearing goofiness and affection for Toby pull the reader into their nomadic life.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Trying to please his overdemanding father, who drinks too much, Kyle finds himself hopelessly ill-equipped to attain perfection and is advised by a friend to cheat on an important test.

“Nobody is perfect: ethical dilemmas, father-son relationships and friendship are the themes of the story . . . the first person narration involves the reader in Kyle's humiliation and ultimate coming to terms with his decisions.” – VOYA

“Facing the consequences of their actions, both father and son resolve to support each other . . . the teens are intelligent, even witty, and Kyle's social angst rings true. Ryan's understanding of and respect for her readers is commendable and should widen her audience.” – Booklist

Leaving her old boyfriend behind in Brooklyn when she moves to Manhattan and enrolls in a summer program at a prestigious dance academy, sixteen-year-old Katie finds painful romance and difficult career choices.

“What makes this more than just a dance book is Katie's willingness to share her feelings . . . Things do not just work out for Katie; she works through her problems and learns from them. Her honesty, courage, and candor make her a likable character who will intrigue readers both within and beyond the world of dance.” – Kirkus Reviews

“As thorough and informative as it is enjoyable . . . Even if readers have not encountered the same situations, Ryan illustrates the mood and feelings of the moment so well that any reader can immediately become engrossed in the story.” – San Diego Union

“This fast paced novel, with its combination of romance and dance lore, will appeal to many.” – Publishers Weekly

“A first person account marked by frequent dialogue adds immediacy to a plot that's always in motion . . . The character are believable, and Katie's relationship with her mother is close and warm.” – School Library Journal

“Good insights into the sacrifices one must make to be part of the arts. Reads quickly because the dialogue is lively and realistic. Recommended.” - The Book Report