{"product_id":"the-secret-to-belonging","title":"The Secret to Belonging","description":"\n\u003ctable align=\"center\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"2\" cellspacing=\"0\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"productDetailSmallElements\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReview Quotes\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e* \u003c\/b\u003e\"Spare yet powerful language relays sensate descriptions of the Norwegian backdrop and the cathartic, everyday pleasures the protagonist experiences during her retreat, which expertly juxtapose the profound isolation she feels at home. Restrained and condensed second-person narration cultivates a persuasive sense of immediacy throughout this aching exploration of heartbreak and hope.\"-- \n\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, STARRED REVIEW\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReview Quotes\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e* \u003c\/b\u003e\"Written in a sparse, haunting second-person narrative . . . Freeman's stream-of-consciousness style is raw and honest, refusing to sugarcoat the collateral damage of substance abuse. Readers will appreciate the exploration of the impossible choice between self-preservation and family loyalty. . . . A searing, character-­driven exploration of family obligation and the pain of being left behind.\"-- \n\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e, STARRED REVIEW\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReview Quotes\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Freeman weaves rich details into short chapters that vividly establish the settings of both countries . . . A quick-moving, original, and poignant read.\"-- \n\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBiographical Note\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMegan E. Freeman attended an elementary school where poets visited her classroom every week, and she has been a writer ever since. She writes middle grade and young adult fiction. Megan is also a Pushcart Prize-nominated poet. An award-winning teacher with decades of classroom experience, Megan taught multiple subjects across the arts and humanities to students of all ages. She divides her time between northern Colorado and the Texas Gulf Coast. Visit her online at MeganEFreeman.com.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReview Citations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"italic\"\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/span\u003e 06\/01\/2026 (EAN 9781665988407, Hardcover) - *Starred Review\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"italic\"\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/span\u003e 06\/01\/2026 pg. 95 (EAN 9781665988407, Hardcover) - *Starred Review\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"italic\"\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/span\u003e 07\/01\/2026 (EAN 9781665988407, Hardcover)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContributor Bio:\u003c\/strong\u003eFreeman, Megan E\u003cbr\u003e\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMegan E. Freeman attended an elementary school where poets visited her classroom every week, and she has been a writer ever since. She writes middle grade and young adult fiction. Megan is also a Pushcart Prize-nominated poet. An award-winning teacher with decades of classroom experience, Megan taught multiple subjects across the arts and humanities to students of all ages. She divides her time between northern Colorado and the Texas Gulf Coast. Visit her online at MeganEFreeman.com.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"Atheneum Books for Young Readers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51496149811478,"sku":"9781665988407","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0857\/9910\/8886\/files\/9781665988407.jpg?v=1783054077","url":"https:\/\/lusper.myshopify.com\/products\/the-secret-to-belonging","provider":"Lusperbooks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}