Fin O’Connell was repeatedly abused by his mother's brother, Uncle Steve. He made the decision to finally end the abuse at the beginning of his seventh grade year. While sitting anxiously at home waiting for his mother to return, Fin conjured up the courage to finally reveal the abuse he suffered at the hands of his uncle. Fin's mother arrived home and before he could explain to her about the abuse, his mother revealed to him devastating news about her life--she had terminal cancer. But Fin wasn’t about to give up on himself. With Fin’s two best friends, Joey and Penny, by his side, they took penny hikes through the streets of Somerville, Massachusetts. Fin pushed doggedly ahead into the unknown as life kept throwing him challenges, from facing down a bully to coping with the devastating effects of his mother's terminal cancer. Can Fin find redemption during a troubled and confusing time in his life? Penny Hike is a story of hope, resolve, and digging deeper than you thought possible. It's a story about finding strength, and ultimately persevering in life, even when your soul has been murdered. Penny Hike delves into the unpredictable world of adolescence and the traumatic effects of abuse.“Penny Hike is a charmer...there is not a touch of condescension in the way Richardson depicts children. He documents a world unfamiliar to most middle-class readers, creating believable scenes and a likeable hero with an indomitable spirit." --The Springfield Republican"Effective consolations on being orphaned...winning girlfriend Penny’s heart, and being the hero...Evocative setting." --Kirkus Reviews“Penny Hike is effective in communicating the experience of a thirteen-year-old boy who has endured heartbreak and joys in his life…characters' personalities are all distinct and believable…this book is a labor of love…truly impressive.”—Dr. Karen Haeberle, Clinical Psychologist