Caitlin Smith is a fifth grader with asperger's syndrome. Her mother died of cancer and her brother, Devin, was killed in a middle school shooting spree that left a teacher, 2 students, and one of the shooters dead. Her father is having difficulty dealing with Devin's death. He has thrown Devin's eagle scout books in his room, slammed the door, and covered his eagle scout project - a chest - with a sheet. He cries often. Caitlin is brilliant and her best friend is the dictionary. She had difficulty dealing with her brother's death, too, and with all social relationships. She makes friends with someone who will help her find closure - "an emotional conclusion to a difficult life event." This book portrays an increasingly prevalent condition and its ramifications for the person having asperger's. Hopefully, it also in ceases the reader's understanding and empathy.
Mark Twain Award Preliminary Nominee 2012-13
ALA Best Fiction For YA
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