This is the Part Where You Laugh

Travis plans a carefree summer, practicing basketball and spending time with his friend Malik and his girlfriend Natalie but life doesn’t always cooperate. He has to live in a trailer park with his grandmother, who is dying of cancer, and his grandfather, who is always high, because his mother is a homeless heroin addict, and, if that isn’t enough, Malik is stabbed, Natalie’s stepfather is sexually inappropriate, and Travis breaks his ribs trying to show off. This graphic, realistic novel explores issues of homelessness, drug addiction, poverty, racism, and grief. Suitable for mature students for individual study or small group literature circle with teacher guidance. Social considerations noted.