Okay, I’m going to need 5-7 business days to process this book. Seriously, this is going to be one of those stories that haunts me forever. I’m SO glad I was kind of warned (thanks fellow reviewers) before getting into this that it was a “this will destroy you” type of book because otherwise, I probably would’ve been crying 5 minutes before having to coach U8 soccer practice.

It’s such a short read, but there’s just so much here. And it’s so visceral and raw, and yet with the amazing subtlety of Middle Grade. I can’t even right now. Between the lines about the angels and the “Jackie” line at the end.

Dang. I want to cry just thinking about it.

I loved this book. But… dude. You’ve been warned: when it comes to the best and the worst of humanity, this story isn’t pulling punches. Godspeed.

Also, this is my second Gary D. Schmidt book, and I can now safely say he’s friggin’ brilliant.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Like… What the crap did I just read? (in the best way.)

Thanks for reading!