The Way Back from Broken

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford high School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2016

Review

15 year-old Ramken's baby sister, Dora, died in his arms. He blames himself for not noticing that she was in distress. Because of their loss, Ramken and his mother attend what Ramken calls "the dead baby club", a support group for parents and siblings. In comes 10 year-old Jacey Tatlas, whose brother Jordan was stillborn and her mother is Ramken's biology teacher -- talk about awkward. Jacey is immediately drawn to Ramken, but Ramken is unwilling and uncomfortable being the big brother and idol that Jacey wants him to be -- it way too soon for that responsibility after what he has been through.

Ramken's parents are having a hard time dealing with their loss and the frustration of their son. So when Mrs. Tatlas proposes a trip to her uncle's cabin in the Canadian wilderness, Ramken's parents agree that this would be the best way for him to spend his summer -- Jacey couldn't agree more! The story evolves from here into a realization of the loss from both Ramken and the Tatlases and how to continue to move on with life!

Very poignant, heartwarming and a wonderful tale of recovery. A must on library shelves for middle and high school libraries. You grow and sympathize with the well developed characters. Losing a child is every parents worst nightmare, but what about the siblings of that child - how do they deal with the loss? "The Way Back From Broken" with its honesty and sincerity will stay with those who have read it and those who have read it will forward it on.

Overall Book Score: excellent