Theories of Relativity

• Genre: Fiction; young adult realistic
• Originally Published: 2003
• Reading Level/Interest: Grades 10-12
• Structure/Length: 28 chapters; approx. 231 pages
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Sixteen-year-old Dylan Wallace is kicked out of his home by his unstable mother and forced into homelessness, losing contact with his two younger brothers. With nothing but his backpack, Dylan navigates the dangers of the streets and forms theories: Every fourth person will throw him spare change, no one does anything without a price, and someday he will find his place in the world.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Parental abuse, neglect, and abandonment; food insecurity; sexual abuse; drug use; sex work

Barbara Haworth-Attard, Author

• Bio: Born in 1953; Canadian children’s writer living in London, Ontario; lives with her husband, two cats, and several outdoor animals, including a possum; has two sons and three grandchildren; enjoys walks, frozen yogurt, and playing golf
• Other Works: The Three Wishbells (1995); Buried Treasure (1998); Irish Chain (2002); Forget-Me-Not (2005); Haunted (2009)
• Awards: Governor General’s Award nominee (2003); Snow Willow Award (2004); White Pine Award nominee (2004); Stellar Book Award (2006); Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee (2008)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• The Consequences of Life on the Streets
• Using Theories to Maintain a Sense of Control
• Choosing to Accept Help