If You're Reading This

Starred review from August 18, 2014
Former Iowa National Guardsman Reedy (Divided We Fall) returns to Riverside, Iowa (last seen in his Stealing Air) to tell the coming-of-age story of 15-year-old Mike Wilson, who's still dealing with his father's death in Afghanistan, seven years earlier. Raised by his overprotective mother, Mike yearns to play football, but is pushed to focus on school and his part-time job. When letters written by his father before his death start showing up in the mail from an unknown sender, they give Mike a connection he thought lost forever. With each letter giving him a missionâgo to a party, ask a girl out, forgive someoneâhe finds the courage and motivation to live fully. But in the process, he must confront bullies, get around his mother's disapproval, and find out the truth behind his father's death. 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. Ages 12âup. Agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

The dual narration team of Ram—n 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. As Michael Wilson's sixteenth birthday approaches, he begins receiving letters from his father, who died in Afghanistan. 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. M.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine