A review by lanica
Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds
4.0
The Audiobook version of this is so well done! I would recommend it over a paper version...and I don't usually say that. The voice actors were perfect for their roles.
Librarian's Recommendation:
I would put this in a high school, maybe a middle school that isn't too conservative. There are references to sex and some drinking scenes, and the kids are not avoiding it, it's just a normal part of their experience. If that's going to cause parent complaints...you should be aware of them. I, however, would defend this book and would put it in my school.
This is a great book for teaching kids that friendships can be broken...and it's hard to repair them. A single action, or inaction, can have lasting effects and these cannot always be fixed with an 'I'm sorry'.
The families here are broken...but not through anything devious or illegal...just life taking bad turns. Each family has to deal with unimaginable loss before the book begins, and it is interesting to see how the pre-history of the character defines their outlook in the face of a new tragedy.
Librarian's Recommendation:
I would put this in a high school, maybe a middle school that isn't too conservative. There are references to sex and some drinking scenes, and the kids are not avoiding it, it's just a normal part of their experience. If that's going to cause parent complaints...you should be aware of them. I, however, would defend this book and would put it in my school.
This is a great book for teaching kids that friendships can be broken...and it's hard to repair them. A single action, or inaction, can have lasting effects and these cannot always be fixed with an 'I'm sorry'.
The families here are broken...but not through anything devious or illegal...just life taking bad turns. Each family has to deal with unimaginable loss before the book begins, and it is interesting to see how the pre-history of the character defines their outlook in the face of a new tragedy.