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Thirteen-year-old Minto's family is in crisis. Minto's older sister has had a baby and immediately abandoned the family and her son. Her father and mother are overwhelmed with the new baby and not coping. When Minto hears discussions about the possibility of turning weeks-old Stevie over to adoption services, Minto must take action and responsibility. She steals away in the night with the baby, some basic supplies and a little bit of money to hide in a shacktown. There are so many problems to deal with — Minto isn't sure she can make this work. But she has to keep trying because the alternative is not acceptable.
"This hi-lo book is a quick read, and the pace is perfect for reluctant readers who enjoy shorter stories. The novel covers many topics that will resonate with emerging teens.
VERDICT Add to collections in need of well-done high-interest, accessible titles."
— School Library Journal
"The novel provides a fast-paced and authentic picture of the life of the urban homeless and what they each say and do to survive. Minto struggles to fit in, feed herself and stay warm, and keep Stevie safe. The reader feels her grow up into her responsibility."
— Resource Links
"Eve Richardson pens a story of desperation and action that reveals that the grass isn"t always greener on the other side of the ravine. In fact, it"s pretty darn scary, even if there are a few friends around to mitigate the apparent hopelessness. Eve Richardson is especially good at giving Minto voice, a voice that is both young and mature, vulnerable and strong, with her heart and head working together to save Stevie. As a debut, Saving Stevie is an accomplished story, hopefully a portent of more YA from Eve Richardson whose own voice takes us into places we need to see but rarely do."
— CanLit for LittleCanadians
"Eve Richardson's debut novel, Saving Stevie, is set in Toronto, and it's a fast-paced, gritty, realistic read that doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. "
— CM Magazine