Dead to You by Lisa McMann - OPTIONAL

McMann, Lisa  Dead to You  Simon Pulse, 2012. $16.99  243 pages.  Content:  Language: R (54 swears; 14 Gods; 32 “F” words); Sexual Content: PG; Violence: PG.  

Ethan was abducted at the age of seven, but when he turns sixteen and finds himself homeless he starts to search the missing persons’ bulletins to see if he can find his family.  He calls the Child Protective Services and tells them that he believes he is Ethan.  The CPS returns Ethan to his family.  When he gets home his little brother, that had seen him abducted, doesn’t believe that it is Ethan.  He has a hard time adjusting to the attention that he gets from the community and his old best friend who has turned into a beautiful girl.  He easily falls in love with his little sister and his mother and appreciates his father.  When he finally is starting to get a handle on himself, the police show up at the house.  

**Spoiler Alert**  The police have found the body of a seven year old boy, and he is Ethan.  The book ends with the mistaken Ethan running out of the house.  We don’t know where he goes or what becomes of the family.  It is a very well written book and even thought the ending is unsatisfying, it was a great read.  The swearing is awful and I would have this book be advisable if not for the amount of language.  

HS - OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.