Just Like That
Recommended. Age: 12+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
A wise and tender book about grief and the slow return of hope. Two lonely teens are carried by adults who show mercy at real cost, among them a headmistress and a pastor who helps a hunted boy. Good done in a short life is not lost. The reservation is the violence: a pastor is beaten and blinded, a teen is shot, and the opening death lands hard.
For parents
A strong read-aloud for 11-year-olds; independent reading from 12. Common Sense Media says 11 and up, Redeemed Reader 12 and up. Read The Wednesday Wars first. Ask how Meryl Lee finds her way out of the Blank. Ask why Pastor Darius helps Matt when it costs him so much. Christian hope sees past death (CCC 1681).