108 pages • 3 hours read
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231
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary Canada
2003
YA
12-18 years
Theories of Relativity by Barbara Haworth-Attard follows 16-year-old Dylan Wallace, who is recently homeless and struggling to survive on the streets of a large Canadian city. As he navigates the harsh realities of street life, Dylan encounters various individuals, such as Glen, a tech company president; Jenna, another homeless teen; and Twitch, who faces addiction. Dylan's journey includes moments of danger, fleeting hope, and the pursuit of stability despite numerous challenges. Substance use, violence, exploitation, and homelessness appear in the book.
Dark
Gritty
Emotional
Challenging
Contemplative
1,075 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Theories of Relativity by Barbara Haworth-Attard is praised for its gritty and realistic portrayal of homelessness through the eyes of a teenage boy. Reviewers commend the emotional depth and character development, though some feel the pacing drags at times. Overall, it’s a compelling and thought-provoking read that confronts difficult social issues head-on.
Readers who enjoy gritty, real-life depictions of teen homelessness and resilience would be captivated by Barbara Haworth-Attard's Theories of Relativity. Comparable to the raw emotional depth found in S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders and Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, this novel speaks to fans of realistic young adult fiction.
1,075 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jenna
A 14-year-old girl with whom Dylan is romantically interested, she is portrayed as beautiful and vulnerable. Jenna is a new arrival in street life and becomes involved with Vulture.
Amber
A streetwise girl who initially showcases the potential dangers of street life to Dylan. She is protective and maternal toward her friends, particularly Dylan, highlighting her complexity and growth.
Vulture
The main antagonist who controls many street kids through manipulation and coercion. He exploits and entraps others, maintaining dominance over the street life and its inhabitants.
Dylan’s Mom
Dylan's irresponsible and neglectful mother who frequently moves the family and prioritizes her needs over her children's well-being. Her poor parenting choices have a significant impact on Dylan's life.
Glen
A successful businessman with a personal connection to street life through his late brother. He provides conditional support to street kids, including Dylan, offering opportunities to improve their situations.
Ainsley
A former street kid turned social worker who works at a youth center to help other street kids. Her past experiences on the streets inform her nurturing approach to supporting Dylan and others.
Twitch
A young street kid with a history of abuse and drug addiction. He seeks approval from others and often acts impulsively, demonstrating a mix of concern and thoughtlessness in his interactions with Dylan.
231
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary Canada
2003
YA
12-18 years
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