
Reach for this book when your teenager is processing a sudden, violent loss or struggling with the 'why' behind a tragedy. It is specifically designed for older teens who find traditional novels too slow or emotionally distant, using a hybrid graphic-novel format to mirror the fragmented reality of grief. The story follows Holly and Savvy as they navigate the aftermath of Corey's murder, using parkour and art to channel their rage and sorrow. This is a visceral, honest look at the messy intersection of mourning and the search for justice. It provides a safe space for teens to explore intense feelings of anger and the desire for retribution while modeling the healing power of shared memory. Parents will appreciate its authentic voice and its refusal to offer easy, Hallmark-style answers to complex pain.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepictions of the murder and physical altercations during parkour/investigation.
Deep exploration of traumatic grief, depression, and anger.
Realistic teenage profanity used in moments of high stress.
The book deals directly with murder and violent loss. The approach is secular and gritty, focusing on the psychological impact of trauma. The resolution is realistic rather than perfectly 'tied up,' emphasizing that while justice can be pursued, it does not erase the hole left by death.
A 15 to 17-year-old who feels alienated by 'soft' books about death. This is for the teen who expresses grief through physical movement, anger, or art, and who might have a shorter attention span for dense text.
Parents should be aware of the depictions of violence and the raw language. It is best read by the teen first, then discussed, as the graphic elements are meant to be experienced viscerally. A parent might notice their teen becoming withdrawn, obsessively exercising, or lashing out after a peer's death or a local tragedy.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the 'cool' factor of the parkour and the mystery. Older teens (17-18) will likely resonate more with the nuanced depiction of how grief changes one's identity and relationships.
The hybrid format is the standout. The comic book sections aren't just illustrations; they are Savvy's way of processing trauma that words cannot capture, making it a perfect recommendation for visual learners.
Following the senseless murder of Corey, his twin sister Holly and his girlfriend Savvy are left in a vacuum of grief. The police investigation stalls, forcing the two girls to use their shared connection to Corey, specifically their history with free-running and Savvy's skills as a comic book artist, to piece together what happened. The narrative alternates between traditional prose and graphic novel sequences, illustrating the internal 'shadows' the characters chase.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.