A Sky for Us Alone

“A stirring, powerful, and heart-wrenching story of coming of age, falling in love, and trying to lead a life of dignity.” —Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of The Serpent King

In Strickland County—a forgotten stretch of land in Southern Appalachia—there isn’t a lot of anything to go around. But when eighteen-year-old Harlowe Compton’s brother is killed by the Praters—the family who controls everything, from the mines to the law to the opioid trade—he wonders if the future will ever hold more than loss.

Until he meets Tennessee Moore. Even as she struggles with the worst of the cards she’s been dealt, Tennessee makes Harlowe believe that they can dare to forge their own path. But as Harlowe searches for the answers behind his brother’s death, his town’s decay, and his family’s dysfunction, he discovers truths about the people he loves—and himself—that are darker than he ever expected.

Now, Harlowe realizes, there’s no turning back.

• A Gritty Appalachian Setting: In a county run by a single family, the coal mines are as dangerous as the opioid trade, and justice is a rare commodity.
• Star-Crossed Lovers: He’s seeking revenge for his brother’s murder. She’s the new girl who offers him a reason to hope. Together, they might just find a future—if their town doesn’t tear them apart first.
• A High-Stakes Mystery: As Harlowe digs into the truth of his brother’s death, he uncovers dark secrets that implicate everyone he thought he could trust.
• Rural Noir for Teens: With a raw, unflinching voice, this powerful coming-of-age story is perfect for fans of Jeff Zentner and stories of poverty and hope.