After by Kristin Harmel - ADVISABLE

Harmel, Kristin After, 227 p. Delacorte (Random), 2010. $16.99. Language: PG (12 swears – mostly OMG). 

Her dad died in a terrible car accident not quite a year ago, but Lacey, a junior, feels like she has it all under control. Her mom might be burying herself in work, her youngest brother may have retreated into silence and her older brother is getting drunk with his girlfriend, but Lacey has straight A’s and a great best friend. First, though, Sam, a hot new student starts paying attention to Lacey and then she is asked to mentor a fellow student whose mother just died of cancer. While Lacey is sure that she can help everyone, she just might need a little saving of her own. 

Harmel has brought some keen insight into the side of the grieving process that most kids don’t understand. Her writing is poignant without being preachy and sweet, without being sickly. 

MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.