Told from alternating perspectives of Pablo and Mindy, middle-grade readers will have the inside scoop on the inner thoughts and motivations of these two characters. Pablo is a Dreamer with the worry about his father getting deported weighing heavily on his mind. And Mindy's dad has been acting strange but her mother just seems to pretend that everything is ok. On top of that, something mysterious is going on in their town and it's connected to an old tunnel used in Prohibition days for smuggling. When the kids stumble on something nefarious, they discover an unexpected ally who comes to their rescue.
After witnessing a crime, Pablo and Mindy wrestle with knowing what to do. If they notify authorities, will Pablo's dad be deported? Wells handles difficult topics such as immigration, drug addiction, and financial hardship in an age-appropriate manner. I really liked that the teens found a trusted adult to help them navigate their struggles and who offered them wisdom and support.
This would be a wonderful book to read aloud as a family and could lead to good discussions about important issues teens or their family and friends may encounter. Never Less offers just the right amount of suspense and mystery for young readers and a satisfactory conclusion that shows a model of a family walking through a dark time and coming out closer and stronger. I love the message that family is worth fighting for--no matter what the cost. The author includes discussion questions at the back. Also included are links for where someone could acquire a Narcan kit.
For background information on the cover, a summary of the story, and information about other books written by Geoffrey Wells, check out the author's website.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Never Less through Reedsy Discovery for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
