Patron Saints of Nothing

Seventeen-year-old Jay, a Filipino American, spends Spring Break in the Philippines investigating his cousin Jun’s death, who was killed as part of the government’s war on drugs. He learns that although his cousin was involved with using and selling drugs, he had been trying to help others and spoke out against the government. Jay comes to terms with Jun’s death, reconciles with his family, and reconnects with his culture. This award-winning novel, suitable as a whole class, literature circle, or independent novel study, deals with complex themes of poverty, government corruption, the war on drugs, gang violence, family dynamics, and identity.