Because of His Heart, is a fictional story with real emotion that takes the reader on a journey into the life of Alicia (Leasie) Austin, a young girl, with a less than perfect home life. Soon after she is diagnosed with a learning disability, her alcoholic father leaves, and there is no money for rent. It seems like not much more could go wrong until Leasie's anxiety-ridden mother decides to move them from Alabama to Michigan to be near her mother, whom promises financial help. This means goodbye to the teacher that adores her and the only home she has known. Leasie struggles with the fact that her dad isn't around, all the while trying to figure out if her mother's words are true: "Love is not real." When she meets her neighbor, Davidson, a giant-sized boy, with a weak but gentle heart, he appears intimidating in size and stature. Leasie can't help but be intrigued by this boy and decides to try and befriend him. She hopes he wants to be friends too as he would be her first-true friend. Even though Leasie's life is surrounded in family afflictions and struggles, the story is a powerful testament to the perseverance of an underdog. Through the struggles, the reader is drawn to the main character as things don't always go her way, but she is always learning some of life's most valuable lessons, and her courage and strength help her fight some hefty obstacles.This book would appeal to middle grade readers and higher.