Description
“A sweet, twangy tale about a boy finding his future on the way to his past.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A well-constructed, satisfying read. The characters feel like they have real agency and dimension. Relationships across generations, and class, and genders all feel true. The language is clean, not fussy but never dull. I think the writing about music is expertly handled. The prose is a pleasure to read.”
―Mark Sarvas, author of Memento Park
“I really loved Carter’s gentle sweet soul and the magic of his journey. Really lyrical and exquisite moments; I felt really drawn in by its tenderness and charm. Very nicely done!”
―Noelle August, author of the Boomerang novels
“Rayne Lacko brings forth the power of music in her inspiring coming-of-age novel A Song for the Road. The protagonist, a teenaged boy, is ‘reawakening all the feelings he was trying every day to hold down.’ Torn between facing his suppressed feelings and pursuing his passion, Carter chooses making music on his own terms. His choice is rewarded with personal healing and new friendships. A wonderful read about the magic of music and creating your own path.”
—Heidi Daniele, author of The House Children
“Full of heart and soul, A Song for the Road is a beautiful road trip through friendship, self-discovery, and the kindness of strangers. Carter’s story of searching for his father and finding his own musical identity will strum on your heartstrings and make you sing with joy.”
—Lisa Manterfield, author of The Smallest Thing and A Strange Companion
“His father’s old guitar leads fifteen-year-old ‘Cotton’ Danforth on an emotional journey to reconcile his past and find his future in this sweet story about the power of song to bridge what divides us. Musical teens will love this book. So will any adult who’s been moved to strum a few chords. I only wish it came with a soundtrack.”
—Pam McGaffin, author of The Leaving Year
“A lyrical, absorbing coming-of-age tale, A Song for the Road delights, surprises, and tugs at the heartstrings in equal measure. I fell in love with Carter Danforth on his epic cross-country journey to reunite with his estranged father—and so will you. An uplifting story of friendship, family, and the healing power of music.”
—Anjali Banerjee, author of Maya Running, Looking for Bapu, and Seaglass Summer
“A Song for the Road is a brilliant metaphor for life. That Carter Danforth is one determined young man, and as memorable a hero as you’ll ever find. Bravo, Rayne Lacko!”
—Andre Hardy, former NFL running back
“Carter Danforth, a gifted teen musician, tugs guitar strings and heartstrings in Rayne Lacko’s entertaining new young adult novel, A Song for the Road. Readers will love this inspiring physical and metaphorical journey of growth and self-realization through the American Southwest.”
—Ron Bahar, author of The Frontman
“Fifteen-year-old Carter Danforth is loaded down with guilt, dreams, and his dad’s old Martin guitar. Hitting the long highway between Tulsa and LA may be his best hope or worst decision ever. Author Rayne Lacko takes us on a powerful coming-of-age journey that gets under the skin, calluses the fingertips, and works its way into the heart. A Song for the Road is packed with gritty wisdom, succulent humor, and great music. I’ll be rooting for Carter for a long time to come.”
—Conrad Wesselhoeft, author of Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly
