The later half (around chapter 65ish), Joe's life gets a lot better when he finally graduates and turns 18. He still has a lot of lingering issues and trouble adjusting to life after Elan, but he eventually builds a future for himself. Although, he does keep tabs on/in touch with other survivors and they all have various issues ranging from PTSD to drug addiction.

What's more is this not only does this continues to today, there are thousands of Native Americans subjected to similar abuse in residential schools across North America. The last of them didn't close until the '90s in Canada. It was widespread and systemically supported by multiple governments. "Kill the Indian, save the Christian" was their motto.

Absolutely horrifying what children are subjected to because they're seen as property to be bought and sold, not the people they actually are.