Believe Like a Child by Paige Dearth

Alessa’s uncle is a child predator, and she’s one of his victims. At sixteen, after the death of her only friend, Alessa finds herself isolated at home with her uncle. Unable to live there, she runs away. Alone on the streets of North Philadelphia, she encounters more people who hurt her. About to hit rock bottom, Alessa breaks free from her new tormentors and finds refuge in a shelter for homeless and abused women. Wherever she goes, however, trouble keeps seeking her out, until she meets three people who change the course of her life. Though Alessa’s bittersweet journey is fraught… Read more.