Status
Available
Publication
Katherine Tegen Books (2022), 480 pages
Library's review
Estranged friends are given a chance to patch up their differences before one of them dies—again.
Seventeen-year-old Jamal Anderson has not had a meaningful conversation with his former best friend, Quincy Barrantes, in almost two years. They were almost inseparable: always at each other’s
This thoroughly satisfying novel of love, loss, and reconciliation is not to be missed. (Fiction. 14-18)
-Kirkus Review
Seventeen-year-old Jamal Anderson has not had a meaningful conversation with his former best friend, Quincy Barrantes, in almost two years. They were almost inseparable: always at each other’s
Show More
homes, even developing a comedy show on social media together. But two years ago, Jamal lost his parents, and he blames Quincy for the accident. His grief over their deaths permeates every relationship as well as his ability to focus in school. Despite his sister’s efforts and the love of his girlfriend, Autumn, he is drifting until the night Quincy dies trying to save someone’s life. When a mysterious man offers Quincy’s mother a chance to bring him back through experimental technology, it seems far-fetched. But Mrs. Barrantes and Jamal now have the opportunity for a few more weeks with Quincy. Like everything else in Jamal’s life, this circumstance offers more questions than answers and forces him to confront why he allowed the breach in their relationship to continue. This is a page-turning narrative with a cast of fully realized characters and realistic dialogue. The skillful use of flashbacks and social media content fully engages readers. Despite the seriousness of the story, humor and moments of pathos will elicit empathy and connection. Jamal and Autumn are cued as Black and Quincy as Latinx.This thoroughly satisfying novel of love, loss, and reconciliation is not to be missed. (Fiction. 14-18)
-Kirkus Review
Show Less
Awards
Ohioana Book Award (Finalist — Middle Grade & Young Adult Literature — 2021)
South Dakota Teen Choice Book Awards (Almost Made It — 2022)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2021)
Project LIT Book Selection (Young Adult — 2021)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2020
ISBN
0062748416 / 9780062748416