Litani by Jess Lourey starts with fourteen year old Frankie being sent to live with here mother in a small Minnesota town where her parents themselves grew up. Frankie’s father just died. She helped care for him and feels very guilty about his. Her mother is a small town prosecutor who has difficulties expressing her emotions but is anxious to make a name for herself and advance her career. She lost her patience with Frankie the last time Frankie visited and Frankie is afraid of her.
On her first day Frankie is jumped by some kids who take her shoes and the book her father gave her.