Maxed Out

Greer, D. (2012). Maxed out. Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers.

The fact that  Daphne Greer worked with people with special needs for sixteen years shines through in this touching and true to life story of Max, a young teen who is trying to hold his family together after his fathers' death.  Max's mother has fallen into depression and spends her time either at work or in bed, crying, leaving Max to look after his older brother, Duncan, who has autism.  Max loves his brother but becomes more and more frustrated as Duncan's behaviours make everything more difficult from routine chores to playing hockey with his friends. Hockey is Duncan's passion - and his last connection with his Dad.  Finally, Max works out a plan so that he can play in the big game - with disasterous consequences.  When life seems totally out of control, Max calls the Kids Help Line in the middle of the night.  From hurtful statements made in anger to the supportive acts of a true friend, the characters in this high interest, low reading level story really ring true. Many teens will be able to relate to Max's feelings of being 'Maxed out' and not knowing where to turn.

Young Adult (Hi-Lo)