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About The Book

From New York Times bestselling author Alison McGhee comes a stunning and heartbreaking story of two teens who fight to reunite when one of them is caught in the web of a sinister cult.

Micah and Sesame are true best friends. They safeguard each other’s secrets and entwine their dreams. Micah wants to save his parents from the cult leader who calls himself “the Prophet.” Sesame recently lost the last of her own family—her grandmother—and, to avoid foster care, plans to keep a low profile until she turns eighteen. Together, they never doubt they can build the futures they want.

Until Micah disappears. The Prophet has taken Micah, his parents, and the rest of his followers underground. And trying to take on the Prophet in isolation, surrounded by his followers, proves to be a dangerous mistake that leaves Micah at the Prophet’s mercy and losing all hope.

Sesame, left alone, is wracked with fear over what could be happening to Micah. Never before have the two of them been so far apart—or needed each other more. But their faith in each other never wavers, and that might just be enough to save them both.

About The Author

Photograph (c) Alison McGhee
Alison McGhee

Alison McGhee is the New York Times bestselling author of Someday, as well as Dear Sister, What I Leave Behind, Pablo and Birdy, Where We Are, Maybe a Fox with Kathi Appelt, Firefly Hollow, Little Boy, So Many Days, Star Bright, A Very Brave Witch, Dear Brother, and the Bink and Gollie books. Her other children’s books include All Rivers Flow to the Sea, Countdown to Kindergarten, and Snap!. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Laguna Beach, California. You can visit her at AlisonMcGhee.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (September 1, 2020)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534446144
  • Ages: 14 - 99
  • Lexile ® HL740L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

"A thoughtful, realistic story of survival."

– Kirkus Reviews

"Watching two in difficult circumstances teens work through fear and toward bravery is gratifying."

– Publishers Weekly

"Perfect for readers searching for a realistic story about goodness in the face of evil."

– Booklist

"An ­engrossing abduction tale whose pages will feel like they’re turning themselves."

– School Library Journal

"Readers looking for a gripping story of the power of human connection in the face of seeming hopelessness will find that here."

– BCCB

Awards and Honors

  • Minnesota Book Awards Finalist

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More books from this author: Alison McGhee