I Will Save You

Pena, M. (2010). I will save you. New York: Delacorte Press.

17-year-old Kidd Ellison had a tragic childhood. His raw deal in life landed him in Horizons. In this group home for children who have experienced traumatic events, Kidd meets his saviors, Mr. Red and Maria, and his nemesis, Devon. Devon makes his appearance following the death of Kidd’s parents and on his first day at his new home. He presents himself to Kidd as his only and best friend, but when Devon is around trouble follows. Mr. Red wants Kidd to come work for him for the summer at a beach campsite in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, but Horizons denies the request. Kidd decides to leave his therapy program behind and hitchhike to the campsite on his own. Kidd leads everyone to believe he was granted permission to work and a new world of possibility surfaces. Mr. Red is suffering from the loss of his son, and he and Kidd work side-by-side healing each other’s wounds. Here Kidd meets Olivia and falls in love for the first time. Devon shows up, attempts to corrupt Kidd’s views and makes threats to harm Olivia. Kidd knows he must protect her and vows to save her just like his mother did him. Despite his best effort, Kidd comes to realize that Devon is his own alter ego and is trying to save Olivia from himself. Pena writes a touching and heartbreaking realistic fiction story that will have you thinking about Kidd Ellison long after the story ends. Recommended for grades 8 and up, it sheds light on abuse, death and struggling with mental illness.