Gavin's older brother and father are bullies and his mother has not been the same since she hit a pig on the highway. Gavin spends most of his time at his best friend's house, pretending to be normal, while falling for his friend's older sister, Jasey. When Jasey's seemingly perfect family begins to come apart and Jasey is unable to deal with the threat of a potential illness, Gavin struggles to save her. For Junior High readers. 2001.