Fifteen-year-old Rowan is still adjusting to life following her older brother’s death. Her dad is only an occasional presence, and her mother lies in bed all day in a fog of grief, which leaves Rowan to take care of her little sister, Stroma. Rowan’s far too busy to mourn, until one day a strange boy hands her a photo negative he says fell out of her bag. With her new friend Bee (who’s a bit enigmatic herself), Rowan develops the negative and finds a candid photograph of her brother. The mystery Valentine sets in motion is quickly paced and packed with revelations that, while always plausible, sometimes tread too far into “gotcha” territory. The main appeal of the book, however, is her beautifully modulated tone; Valentine is the rare young-adult author who does not overuse dialogue. Insightful details abound, particularly concerning Rowan’s growing relationship with the boy and the resulting reintroduction to her London home, both elements that mirror Valentine’s theme of “developing.” An ideal book for those dealing with the crushing loneliness that follows a death. Grades 9-12. --Daniel Kraus
“Most enjoyable: a life-affirming, witty, romantic read, about freedom, responsibility and love.” (Sunday Times (London) )
“Completely gorgeous. A tremendously sympathetic and engaging central character and huge dollops of intense love and pain. This book has it all.” (www.thebookbag.co.uk )
“The language is simple, but its crafting is deft and emotional. Rowan herself is a believable blend of heroic and desperate, and the book is particularly perceptive.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) )
“[A] warm, graceful first person narrative…readers will stick by Rowan as she builds sustaining new relationships.” (Horn Book Magazine )
“The story is delicately written. A solid tale of what it takes to grow up and how to ask for help.” (Publishers Weekly )
“Give this poignant, rewarding story to teens who need books dealing with grief who crave romance amid tragedy and hardship.” (School Library Journal )
“This is rich, satisfying storytelling, indeed.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review) )
