How We See the Gray

"A dazzling debut that is full of complexity and generosity amid the brutality of life. How We See the Gray turns an eye toward the areas of life our society too often ignores—including working-class people, the foster system, and the industrial Midwest—and it does so with heart and humane impartiality. It's more than an achievement; it's vital." —Chicago Review of Books

"A compassionate and nuanced portrayal of the people impacted by the [foster] system, its limitations, and its shortcomings. The story is also about second chances: who gets them, and who is wrongfully denied them . . . sharp, funny, and heartbreaking." —Electric Literature

"León has crafted a crystal-clear cast of complex characters that jump off the page. How We See the Gray is gritty, textured, and brimming with life." —Asale Angel-Ajani, author of A Country You Can Leave

"Oh, my heart after reading Rachel León's How We See the Gray. I feel tenderized and held, sad and hopeful. The characters that comprise this novel about social workers and the children they try to help are prickly and alive, and I grew to love all of them. They felt as real to me as the novel's setting of Rockford, Illinois, a city that is both tired and vibrant, neglected and richly peopled. With these characters, this place, the novel offers grace mingled with pain, and illuminates the beauty among the grit." —Lindsay Hunter, author of Hot Springs Drive

"Rachel León takes you beyond the headlines and into the lived reality of social workers—into the grit and grind of their nearly impossible demands. There's no sugarcoating here. These are real people, with all the humanity, heartbreak, and hope that come with the job. In seeing them clearly, we also see the way forward to improve foster care. If you've ever wondered what this work truly is, this is the book for you." —David Ambroz, author of A Place Called Home: A Memoir

"Rachel León's novel How We See The Gray is a profound and magnificent work of art, bearing witness to the lives of social workers, foster parents, foster children, and all of their families, within the foster care system of Rockford, Illinois. Each character springs to life, each illustrating a distinct human struggle, and León examines all of her characters with absolute clarity and compassion. A stunning and humane book." — Karen E. Bender, author of The Words of Dr. L