Beyond Tomorrow's Sun - Ronald McGuire

A young boy flees a desperate situation and finds a new home, a new family and epic interplanetary adventure. Set in a post-war 24th century America, 13-year-old Charlie runs away from his abusive uncle, following an old road he hopes will lead him to the ocean. Along the way he's joined by a lost dog, Katie, and fights for survival in the wastelands. When Charlie reaches the end of the road, he discovers the thriving and technologically advanced city of Arcadia, where he saves the life of head-strong Becca Kiel, after her illicit journey through a wormhole lands her in the middle of a busy street. Charlie settles into a new life, and his friendship with Becca grows, until their destinies become intertwined as they dream of finding a new home for humanity, somewhere among the stars.