Nothing to Lose
Nothing to Lose (2004) is about Michael Daye, a 17-year-old boy, who runs away from home before his stepfather is killed. Michael finds refuge at a traveling carnival and also falls in love with a fellow carny, Kirstie. When Michael finds out his mother is on trial for murder, he must decide whether to stay with the carnival and Kirstie, or come back to Miami to try to help his mother. The book was chosen as a Booklist Top 10 Youth Mystery, and American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults and an American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.