It's 1836, and Ann Arbor folks are rallying support for their booming town, set down in the midst of grape arbors and forests in Michigan. Twelve-year-old Tyler lives here with his pa and his six-year-old sister, Emmy. Tyler has big dreams of the railroad coming through their town.

But for now, Tyler has more pressing matters to worry about. He realizes that over the years, Pa-who always said honesty and trust were so important-has fooled him and can never be trusted again. With this bitter realization, the father-son story unfolds. Tyler's other relationships-with his half-Native American sister, with the school bully, and with his other friends-are also tested by his conflict with his father.


Dealing with issues of trust and coming of age, You Lied to Me, Pa touches on the enduring themes of single parenting and nontraditional families. It shows that family love goes far beyond the concept of blood ties.