Sleight of Hand

Growing up in foster care, fifteen-year-old Alex Coffey has racked up an astonishing sixty-four placements and is now drifting into the juvenile justice system. His mantra is don’t hope, don’t care, and above all, don’t do what they want you to. It’s the only way you can control your life. But Sam Murry, his newest caseworker. is willing to try and work a little magic to save this youth who everyone else has given up on. He recruits Matthew King, a childhood acquaintance who is no stranger to a bit of trouble, to reluctantly provide a roof over this boy’s head. Author Vicki Reed relies on decades spent working in the field to craft this inspiring story of loss and redemption. A powerful novel that shows how the transformative power of friendship, kindness, and love can heal the deepest wounds.

Vicki Reed's career has spanned almost every facet of child welfare and juvenile justice. She is the founding director of a youth advocacy organization and the former commissioner of a state juvenile justice agency. Reed is active with the National Partnership for Juvenile Services and the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators.