12-year-old Seffra knows that her drug-addicted mother isn't perfect, but they're family and love each other. Sometimes love isn't enough, though, and when Seffra moves into an institution, Castlerock, a residential treatment center for kids from all kinds of backgrounds, she gets a reality check and struggles to accept the control the institution exerts over her every decision. This realistic account examines institutionalization, shame, sexual abuse, family, and identity and calls attention to the struggles that children of parents with addictions face. Between Families is a page-turner with a way of sticking with you. Long after you put the book down, you'll find yourself remembering sharp details, thinking of Seffra and wondering what will become of her.