Jack Kerouac Is Dead to Me

In "Jack Kerouac is Dead to Me" by Gae Polisner, fifteen-year-old JL Markham navigates the complexities of growing up amidst family struggles and shifting friendships. With her father away and her mother battling a dissociative disorder, JL finds solace in caring for tropical butterflies and her relationship with the older Max Gordon. As Max prepares to graduate and leave, JL grapples with the fear of losing him and her best friend Aubrey, questioning the meaning of loyalty in a world where connections are becoming more fragile. This poignant story explores the intersections of romance and friendship, and the journey of self-discovery in a tumultuous emotional landscape.