School Library Journal (starred review): "A challenging and ...compelling story of an abused teenager who fights a heroic battle to deal with his mother's death and to survive the mistreatment of one of the most vicious stepmothers in all of literature...a well-written book

Booklist: "It is the unusual language which gives the story its power: the words evoke stinging layers of hurt and the galling horror of abuse, as well as the courage, hope, tenacity needed to survive and escape."

Hornbook: "A memorable, challenging look at a disturbed abused adolescent...a powerful story of desperation and survival."

Notes from the Windowsill: "This fascinating, compelling novel well repays the initial effort of deciphering it. Julian's strange writing--not that difficult once you've gotten the hang of it--gives us the story in tantalizing bites, becoming more and more revealing as he slowly conquers his need to distort his own words...this is a brilliant portrait of a troubled person, and of the ways even a troubled person can find to help himself--perhaps the strongest part of the portrait is that despite everything, Julian is far from helpless.  The ending is especially insightful, offering hope for Julian's survival without  denying the damage that may never be healed."

Kirkus Reviews: "With an inventive vision, Deem present a hard-edged tale of abuse and recovery."

VOYA: "A special read, well worth the effort."