Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Afterward by Jennifer Mathieu - OPTIONAL

Mathieu, Jennifer Afterward, 308 pages.  Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2016, 2010.  $18.  Language: R (100+ swears, 20 ‘f’), Mature Content: PG-13 (teen drugs and drinking, allusions to sexual abuse); Violence: PG (brandishing a gun at children, abduction).

Caroline’s younger, autistic brother, Dylan, was kidnapped four days ago.  When he is found, the police also find Ethan – a boy from Caroline’s school who was abducted four years earlier.  Now Ethan is back with his family, the kidnapper is dead, but Dylan is having nightmares and acting out more than ever before.  Caroline thinks that Ethan may have some answers, but his emotions are still raw and his memory is sketchy of what happened to Dylan.  Caroline’s presence may be help or a hindrance.  Only time will bring the healing and the answers that both families need.

Wilhelm’s book is brilliant!  He covers very emotionally charged issues in a compelling read that is raw and honest and compassionate.  Yes, it is heavy on mature language and content, but I couldn’t put it down until the very end.

HS – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher

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