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.

“A stirring, powerful, and heart-wrenching story of coming-of-age, falling in love, and trying to lead a life of dignity.” - Jeff Zenter, Morris Award-Winning Author of The Serpent King

“Driven by mystery and peppered with themes relevant to young readers such as identity, betrayal, and romance. A bleak yet compelling portrayal of Appalachian mountain life.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A gritty portrait of poverty and the opioid crisis in the rural South… Readers will be reminded of plotlines from Riverdale, and will appreciate the thoughtful character development and suspenseful pacing.” - School Library Journal

“Harlowe’s melancholy narration makes this satisfying backcountry noir from the start... a vivid portrayal of a county literally and figuratively stained and disfigured by the mine, in which it’s nearly impossible to thrive and from which it’s nearly impossible to escape.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The romance between Harlowe and Tennessee is the story’s focus, but Harlowe’s relationships with his family…will linger most with readers. Debut author Russell faithfully renders the distinctive cultural norms and stark realities of Appalachian life, including the depth of poverty, while reminding readers of the region’s beauty and resilience. Along the way, she sends a subtle message that embracing one’s background, rather than fighting against it, can provide a road to the future.” - Publishers Weekly

“Complex and realistic…written with impressive nuance and strength. Russell’s debut offers a moving picture of a specific time and place.” - ALA Booklist