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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.”
— AudioFile
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“Powerful and emotionally raw, with sympathetic characters and a thought-provoking premise, this tale reflects Reedy’s strengths: evoking the small-town American spirit, capturing the feel of the military, and getting into the heart of his teenage protagonist.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“The letters challenge Michael to become the man his father knew he had the potential to be, one who is smart and brave but also compassionate and loving. The reader begins to learn what kind of person Michael is, and they will like what they learn…This title is recommended for all middle school and high school collections and especially for reluctant readers at the high school level.”
— Children’s Literature -
“If You’re Reading This will appeal to reluctant readers.”
— School Library Journal -
“A moving study of war’s long-reaching effects on families…The letters offer Mike an approach to succeeding in high school and a means of saying goodbye to his father, and they offer readers, along with Mike, a compelling mystery: How can a dead man send letters? Mike is a believable character, his first-person narration capably spun…Readers will anticipate each letter right along with Mike, and they may receive some good guidance about life along with him.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“The pieces fit together and build toward a more interesting and compelling climax as the identity of the secret messenger and the circumstances of his father’s death are revealed.”
— VOYA
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About Trent Reedy
Trent Reedy is the author of several novels, including Words in the Dust, which received a Christopher Award and was also an Al Roker’s Book Club pick on NBC’s Today show.
About Trent Reedy
Ramón de Ocampo, an Earphones Award-winning narrator, was a cowinner in 2018 of the Audie Award for Best Multi-Voiced Performance. A graduate of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, he has been seen on television, film, and stages all over the world, including recurring roles on such television shows as The West Wing, 12 Monkeys, Sons of Anarchy, and Medium. He is the winner of a prestigious Obie Award for his stage work.