Lost in the Sun

Twelve-year-old Trevor Zimmerman's life changes forever during a pickup game of hockey when he launches a puck that hits an opponent in the chest--and kills him. The success of this audiobook is in its nuanced layers of meaning and emotion, all delivered appropriately in Ramon de Ocampo's narration. His enactment of Trevor's first-person narration is a mix of snark and misery, both crucial for balancing the deep feelings with moments of levity. De Ocampo's on-target portrayals of secondary characters provide contrast and allow listeners to see the truths this unreliable narrator doesn't always acknowledge--the support he receives from of his mother, older brother, and teachers; the coldness of his father; and, most memorably, the significance of Fallon, a girl with terrible facial scars and no self-pity. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Starred review from March 16, 2015
Less than a year ago, 12-year-old Trent Zimmerman accidentally contributed to the death of his teammate Jared during a hockey game, after nailing him with a puck (Jared had a “bad heart”). Already prone to overthinking, Trent is overwhelmed by disturbing thoughts, which he draws in a closely guarded book, and very angry. He backs away from his best friend, acts out at school, and clashes with his family. With help from a persistent classmate, who is known as much for the large scar on her face as for her weird outfits, and a similarly dedicated teacher, Trent is gradually able to let go of his intense guilt and regain his confidence. Trent’s barely
constrained rage is visceral, and the moments when he lashes out, verbally and physically, are as frightening as they are realistic. In an ambitious and gracefully executed story, Graff (Absolutely Almost) covers a lot of emotional ground, empathically tracing Trent’s efforts to deal with a horrible, inexplicable accident and to heal the relationships that have become collateral damage along the way. Ages 10–up. Agent: Stephen Barbara, InkWell Management.