January 1, 2006
Gr 8 Up -Francis is called home from a class trip to find his family forever changed: his father hung himself in the attic of their Montreal home. The 15-year-old is now faced with a life different from any he could imagine. His friendships and the way he views situations shift, and the roles he assumes in taking care of his younger brother and in dealing with his mother all reflect the fact that he is forced to become an adult before his time. Yet the teen is a child who misses his father deeply, who does not understand why the man would commit such an act, and who questions what he could have done to prevent the tragedy. The resounding theme in this autobiographical novel is that darkness eventually gives way to light. Francis goes through the phases of grieving; the chapters of the book reflect his journey. Just as he thinks that everything is on track, the grief that he feels overwhelms him and pulls him back down into depression. Ultimately, however, he finds a balance. Although the book is well written, interspersing elements of the culture of Montreal, it is a difficult read, bleak and somber. On the dedication page, Chalifour says, -If you've lost someone close, this book is for you. You know what I'm talking about. - Indeed, this title will appeal to a specific audience." -Emily Garrett, Naaman Forest High School, Garland, TX"
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 1, 2006
Gr. 7-10. While Montreal native 15-year-old Francis is on a school trip to New York City, his depressed, unemployed father commits suicide. This autobiographical novel, a finalist for Canada's 2005 Governor General's Literary Award, documents the year following the tragedy and how Francis and his family come to terms with their overwhelming grief. Francis' mother gives him an old letter that mentions a reunion of his father's poker buddies that is planned for later in the year, and Francis travels to the meeting place, foolishly hoping his father will somehow be there. When he finds the place boarded up and deserted, the finality of his father's death sinks in and he is able to begin the healing process. The plot is predictable, and dated pop-culture references to Ace of Base and Chia Pets are distracting. But while Chalifour's well-intentioned novel occasionally falters, teens who have experienced the death of a parent or loved one will respond to its heartfelt message: after every tragedy, there is hope.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)