About This Book
A parent should reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the isolating, heavy fog of grief following the loss of a parent or loved one. It is a deeply empathetic choice for a child who feels like the world has stopped moving while everyone else keeps going. The story follows Matt, a high schooler who takes a job at a local funeral home to cope with his mother's death and his father's subsequent struggle with alcoholism. Through his work, he finds a unique perspective on life and a surprising connection with a girl who has also faced significant loss. Parents will appreciate the gritty realism and the way Jason Reynolds treats teenage emotions with profound respect. While it deals with heavy subjects like death and urban struggle, it is ultimately a hopeful story about resilience, responsibility, and finding the strength to keep living. It is most appropriate for ages 12 and up due to its mature themes and authentic language.
