Youвђ™d Be Home Now By Kathleen Glasgow Apr 2026

: The "perfect" older sister, often away at college, whose success casts a long shadow over Emory.

: The protagonist who feels overlooked and defines herself by her roles—the "good daughter" and the "babysitter".

: Portrays addiction not as a moral failing but as a disease that impacts entire communities and overburdens local resources. You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

The story follows 16-year-old Emory Ward, the "good" child in a wealthy Mill Haven family. Her life is upended after a tragic car accident kills a classmate and reveals the depth of her brother Joey’s heroin addiction. While Joey returns from rehab, Emory must navigate her own trauma, a secret and toxic relationship, and the heavy burden of being her brother’s "babysitter".

You’d Be Home Now (2021) by Kathleen Glasgow is a poignant young adult novel that explores the devastating ripple effects of the opioid crisis on a family and their small town. A loose reimagining of Thornton Wilder's play Our Town , the story shifts focus from the person struggling with addiction to the "invisible" family members left in the wake. : The "perfect" older sister, often away at

: Explores how siblings of those in crisis often suppress their own needs to keep the peace.

: Emory’s 17-year-old brother struggling with opioid addiction. His journey highlights the complexities of recovery and the pressure of parental expectations. The story follows 16-year-old Emory Ward, the "good"

: The popular neighbor Emory meets secretly; their relationship serves as her own form of "addictive" escape. Key Themes