About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the suddenness of loss, seeking to understand the legacy of a life cut short, or exploring the complexities of urban violence through a lens of empathy. It offers a unique opportunity to discuss grief and the transition from childhood to adulthood within a specific cultural context. Gary Soto presents a narrative that, despite its heavy premise, focuses on the lingering connections we have to the living. Chuy, a high school senior, is murdered in a senseless act of violence. As a ghost, he navigates his neighborhood, observing his grieving family and finding a fleeting, poignant connection with another spirit. The story deals with heavy themes of mortality and injustice but remains grounded in a realistic, gentle exploration of what it means to say goodbye. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students who can handle the initial shock of the protagonist's death to reach the hopeful, reflective conclusion.
