Smoke by Ellen Hopkins

               Smoke is the second half of the story of Pattyn von Stratten, who after taking years of physical abuse from her father was driven to kill him, mostly to save her little sisters from the same childhood she had. In this book, she is on the run, so far successfully, and has been staying with a Hispanic family after doing their daughter, Adriana, a favor upon meeting her in a city bus when she discreetly told her about a thief who had pickpocketed her wallet. The family is trying to help her get a job on a ranch near where they live in southern California, under the alias of Patty Medina, Adriana's last name.

                Throughout the story, she writes in her diary about her thoughts about what she did, as well as what lies ahead. She regrets killing her father, but knows that going back home to where everyone she knows resents her would only make things worse. Based on her relationship with Adriana's family, it seems like Pattyn might just find a new life at the ranch, or with the Medinas. She might also have to eventually deal with police, too, if they ever manage to track her down.