A lack of confidence. Boredom. Too much responsibility. An unstable home. Never feeling like you fit in. Fear that follows you into the school day. Different struggles. Same result: days out of school. Truancy threatens to derail the futures of Amir, Alejo, Jessica, David, Kristina, and Daisy. Each has their own reason for not showing up. Amir is tired of feeling like the dumbest kid in class. Alejo is bored and disconnected from his lessons. Jessica helps care for her little brother. David’s home is wherever he and his mom can find a place to stay. Kristina is exhausted by always feeling left out. And Daisy is afraid of violence at her school. The Truancy Files: Hall Pass to Nowhere is a relatable chapter book that validates students’ real-life experiences with absenteeism while offering actionable strategies and adult support. Readers will feel encouraged, supported, and motivated to reconnect with school and seek out trusted adults who can help them succeed. Educators and group leaders can extend the learning with a downloadable Teacher and Counselor Activity Guide. The guide features self-reflection questions and group activities designed to foster discussion and support meaningful change – one step at a time. This title is the second book in the Nurturing Independence series, which also includes My Schoolwork Is a Mess!, by award-winning author and school counselor Jennifer Licate. She is the author of the widely praised Navigating Friendships series, featuring I’m Sick, But That’s Not What Hurts; Faking Happiness, Feeling Sadness; Why Is Drama Always Following Me?; My Anxiety Is Messing Things Up; He’s Not Just Teasing!; I Lost My BFF; Am I Weird?; and Why Is He Spreading Rumors about Me?