Chasing Brooklyn

February 1, 2010
Gr 7-10-One year after Lucca's death, his girlfriend, Brooklyn, and his brother, Nico, are both trying to run from their grief. When Gabe, who was driving the night of the accident, dies of a drug overdose, neither Brooklyn nor Nico knows how to deal with this new tragedy. It is not until Brooklyn begins seeing the menacing figure of Gabe in her dreams and Lucca's ghost visits Nico and urges him to "help Brooklyn" that the two come together and begin to find the strength to move on. Like Schroeder's "I Heart You, You Haunt Me" and "Far from You" (both S & S, 2008), "Chasing Brooklyn" is told in a verse format that enables the author to cut right to the emotional quick. The short sentences and minimal dialogue keep the focus on the pain and fear of the two main characters as they become friends, training together, and trying to vanquish the ghosts from their lives. While the wrenching impact will leave readers raw, the ultimately hopeful ending is comforting. A quick read, but one with substance."Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA"

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