A moving novel about the bond between a five year old abandoned by his mother and the man who raises him. After accidentally killing a police office five years ago, Pearl has managed to protect her bright, frail young son Leonard from her violent past. Then one day, Pearl drops him off with their neighbor Mitch, and never returns. Mitch is far from the ideal caretaker--he’s having an affair with a client’s wife--but he and Leonard must find a way to bridge the gap between them as they bond as parent and child.
Catherine gives an overview of the book:
A moving novel about the bond between a five year old abandoned by his mother and the man who raises him. After accidentally killing a police office five years ago, Pearl has managed to protect her bright, frail young son Leonard from her violent past. Then one day, Pearl drops him off with their neighbor Mitch, and never returns. Mitch is far from the ideal caretaker--he’s having an affair with a client’s wife--but he and Leonard must find a way to bridge the gap between them as they bond as parent and child.
Read full overview »
About Catherine
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of 18 published and forthcoming books including the newest releases Don't Let Me Go, Jumpstart the World, Second Hand Heart and When I Found You. Other novels in print are Becoming Chloe, Love in the Present Tense, ...
Published Reviews
Oct.12.2009
Teenage Ernie is overweight, his mother's matching physique and love of food make it hard for him to diet, and he's the target of a cruel group of jocks. But his best and only friend Will has it even worse...
Oct.12.2009
Ernie knows the rules of survival in his high school: never look the bullies in the eye, and don’t look behind you. Ernie, who tips the scales at 242 pounds, and his awkward friend, Will, have navigated the...
Awards & Bestseller Lists
The UK edition was a top ten national bestseller

























This book did so well in the UK that the new UK edition of Pay It Forward says, "By the bestselling author of Love in the Present Tense" on its cover. Which to me, at least, is funny (in a good way). Please check out the video excerpt of this book in my media section.