Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra

This book contains: alcohol, addiction, animal neglect, anxiety, child abuse/neglect (severe, torturous, graphically violent), child starvation, death, derogatory terms, drugs, failure of Child Protective Services, foster care neglect, graphic descriptions of a sexually dysfunctional enviroment, homelessness, mental illness, parental neglect, porn magazines referenced, profanity, self-harm (referenced), sexual abuse of a minor implied, sexual activities/nudity (not explicit), smoking, theft out of necessity.

Graphic abuse is mitigated by themes of resilience and sibling bonds, serving to expose foster care realities and inspire advocacy.