My personal description looks like this: Making Manna is a classic American tale — charming, uplifting and enjoyable. In the tradition of Horatio Alger, it’s both a good story and a critical commentary, especially about our broken justice system.

The official description goes like this: Libby Thompson is just fourteen years old when she flees her abusive home with her newborn son, Angel. Now they must build a life for themselves on hard work and low wages, dealing with police who are sometimes helpful—but not always—and drug dealers who are full of surprises. As Angel gets older, he begins asking questions about his family, and Libby’s tenuous peace threatens to crumble. Can a son without a father and a young woman without a past make something beautiful out of a lifetime of secrets? Making Manna explores the depths of betrayal, and the human capacity to love, flourish and forgive in the face of heartbreaking odds.