It’s one year after the events of Fighting Ruben Wolf and the boys, whose stalwart affection and loyalty survived even the pounding of a boxing match, now find their relationship threatened for the very first time. And what threatens it is love.

Nothing’s easy for Cameron. Not even the soul-pumping bliss of first love. He meets a girl, named Octavia, whom he admires, whose company makes him happy, who fills his thoughts. Unfortunately, she’s Ruben’s girlfriend. That’s Ruben, for whom romance comes way too easily – who hardly gives Octavia a second thought.

Cam and Ruben don’t have a touchy-feely relationship, but what they do have is a tremendous, unspoken bond. A bond that has to this point pulled them through every difficult situation they’ve ever faced.

Who would you choose – your brother and best-friend, or your last best chance for a shot at love?

”The extravagant prose does work well in describing the relationship between Cam and Octavia, demonstrating the often-ignored fact that teenage boys also fall breathlessly and heart-stoppingly in love.” – The Horn Book

“Zusak uses simple but poetically poignant language to convey Cam's inner teenage turmoil, confusion, and heartache. This highly recommended novel is a sad, funny, loving, and ultimately heartwarming coming-of-age story.” – Voice of Youth Advocates

“The interaction of the characters is a real strength of this novel. It is a story of family dynamics and coming of age, interspersed with the protagonist's poignant poems and observations.” – School Library Journal