Mike was seven when his father was killed in mysterious circumstances in Afghanistan. Eight years later, the family still hasn't recovered: Mike's mom is overworked and overprotective; his younger sister Mary feels no connection to the father she barely remembers; and in his quest to be "the man of the family," Mike knows he's missing out on everyday high school life.
Then, out of the blue, Mike receives a letter from his father -- the first of a series Dad wrote in Afghanistan, just in case he didn't come home, meant to share some wisdom with his son on the eve of Mike's 16th birthday. As the letters come in, Mike revels in spending time with his dad again, and takes his encouragement to try new things -- to go out for the football team, and ask out the beautiful Isma. But who's been keeping the letters all these years? And how did Dad actually die? As the answers to these mysteries are revealed, Mike and his family find a way to heal and move forward at last.
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“The dual narration team of Ramon de Ocampo and author Reedy tells a coming-of-age story that deals with friendship, advice, grief, and the everyday trials of getting through one’s sophomore year of high school…The narrators team up nicely, alternating between present-day characters and the reading of the letters in the voice of Michael’s father. The narration captures a variety of voices—stern football coach, bratty sister, tired and overbearing mother, and girlfriend. The narrators carry the well-paced story, using both serious and lughead tones for Michael’s teammates. It’s an enjoyable listen that meshes mystery, sports, and teen life.”
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