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Reading age
10+
Genre
Realistic fiction
Publisher
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date
April 15, 2025
Bea Coughlin is a sixth grader whose life changed dramatically when she witnessed a school shooting that took her teacher’s life. Everything feels different now; she has never felt more helpless. However, life must continue, and Bea must learn how to heal and ensure that what she experienced does not happen to any other student.
I loved how emotional the book made me feel. Even more, I appreciated how it focused on trauma and its aftermath. It illustrates that even after an event concludes, the struggle continues as you cope with the lingering memories. I was particularly drawn to Bea’s character and enjoyed witnessing her journey toward healing. Despite being in a wheelchair, I found her character to be incredibly powerful. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone seeking a poignant, emotional, and deeply moving read.
My rating
