Sixteen-year-old Novah feels like her life has been put on hold, taking care of her four younger siblings while her older sister Ariana gets to play volleyball and hang out--but when their parents are killed in a car crash Ariana and Novah will have to learn to cooperate.

With six siblings, Novah is always busy overseeing dinner, baths, and homework-- tasks that fall to her when her parents are at work. She wouldn't mind, if her older sister, Ariana, wasn't always excused from helping out: their parents don't want anything to jeopardize the scholarships Ariana will need to become the first member of their family to attend college. Then a car accidents takes their parent's lives. With no adult relatives, Ariana manages to convince the judge to give her temporary custody. If she can keep her family running smoothly, they'll get to stay in their home. If not, they'll be placed into foster care. Novah and Ariana find themselves in a constant power struggle, even once it becomes clear they are all in over their heads. -- adapted from jacket

Ages 12 and up.,Scholastic Press.

Grades 10-12.,Scholastic Press.