Book Notes

This book has only been on the shelves for a few weeks, and already it is making the rounds. It is one of our favorites. Sad and beautiful and poetic.

Kit is 16 years old when her younger brother is diagnosed with and dies from Leukemia. The novel is written in free verse (remember Out of the Dust?) and captures all the family’s emotions. The sadness, anger, emptiness, and eventually, the hope of a new but different life.

Because the novel is in free verse you can read through it so quickly. Too quickly, actually. Read it through once, to see what happens. Then read it again. And linger over every word. They are so carefully chosen. The author proves again and again that just a few words are needed to provide so much emotional impact. You definitely need a box of tissues by your side when reading this. I loved it.