A List of Cages by Robin Roe

Title: A List of Cages

Author: Robin Roe
Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Classification: Young Adult, Contemporary
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Source: e-galley via NetGalley (Thank you, Disney-Hyperion!)

When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he’s got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn’t easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can’t complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian—the foster brother he hasn’t seen in five years.
Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He’s still kindhearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what’s really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives…

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***I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***


This book broke my heart. That is the first thought I had when I finished reading A List of Cages. I was surprised by how emotional this story made me feel, and it wasn't only because I didn't know a whole lot about the story before I started reading it. I knew that Robin Roe is a 2017 Debut Author, so when I received the email from NetGalley, the first 500 get to Read Now: I clicked and was able to read a digital advanced reader copy. Even if I would have known more about A List of Cages before I started reading it, it still would have broken my heart and made me feel very emotional. 

While trying to write up my review for this book, I realized I was having a hard time getting all my thoughts in order. So I decided that my review will be a list of thoughts and things I love about A List of Cages.

A List of Thoughts About A List of Cages

1. A List of Cages is heartbreaking, emotional, and powerful. 
2. It was a story where I hated what was happening to the character. REALLY hated what was happening. Which made me cry, often with tears streaming down my face. It made my chest feel tight and broke my heart. But I couldn't stop reading. I needed to know what was going to happen.
3. This story isn't all sad. There are parts of hope and happiness. Parts that made me smile.
4. Julian is such a sweet character. It didn't take long for me to care about him. 
5. Adam is also a great character. I think he is a really nice guy.
6. Adam and Julian's friendship is awesome. I love how much they care about each other. I love the interactions. In fact, this story focuses on their friendship. There is a little romance, but it isn't the main focus of this story. I love how their relationship wasn't just friendship, it was also about foster brothers.
7. This book is very well written. I think it flows very well and it doesn't take long for the reader to get invested in the story. 
8. The story is told from both Julian and Adam's point of view, but they both have a distinctive voice. So it was super easy to remember which character's point of view you were reading! 
9. A List of Cages is realistic. There are children going through these situations. Disabilities like ADHD and Dyslexia and how it relates to their lives in school and out. Child Abuse. Trying to figure out how to fit in. Among other things. This story is important and realistic. 
10. A List of Cages is NOT a forgettable story. It is realistic. It makes you think. I know it is one that I will always remember and think about. 

My Recommendation:

Read it. I am glad that I read A List of Cages and I think it is a very emotional and important story. It is realistic. It made me cry and think. This is a difficult story to read because of the things that happen. It completely broke my heart. But it does also have hope and happiness. I love the main characters, Adam and Julian. I love their friendship. This is a story that needs to be read. I will not forget reading A List of Cages. 

My Rating: