The summer before his senior year, Jude (yes, he's named after the Beatles song) gets his first job, falls in love for the first time, and starts to break away from his parents. Jude's house is kept dark, and no one talks much—it's been that way since his little sister drowned in a swimming pool seven years ago when Jude was supposed to be watching her.

Now, Jude is finally, finally starting to live. Really live. And then, life spins out of control. Again.

Acclaimed author James Preller explores life, death, love, faith, and resilience in his first young adult novel. Before You Go will grip readers from the book's dramatic first few pages to its emotional end.

James Preller is the author of the popular Jigsaw Jones mystery books, which have sold more than 10 million copies since 1998. He is also the author of Bystander, named a 2009 Junior Library Guild Selection, Six Innings, an ALA Notable Book, and Mighty Casey, his own twist on the classic poem, “Casey at the Bat.” In addition to writing full-time, Preller plays in a men’s hardball league and coaches Little League. He compares coaching kids to “trying to hold the attention of a herd of earthworms.” He lives in Delmar, New York with his wife, three children, cats and dog.

Categories

• Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
• Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Death, Grief, Bereavement
• Young Adult Fiction / Family

Product Details

ISBN: 9781250034212
ISBN-10: 1250034213
Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: August 27th, 2013
Pages: 224
Language: English

Recommended Reading Level

Minimum Age: 12
Maximum Age: 18
Minimum Grade Level: 7
Maximum Grade Level: UP

“Preller makes us care about these people. We wonder about them when they're gone.” —The New York Times

“The author strikes the right tone in capturing Jude's inner struggles with grief, angst and love.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Will hook readers.” —Booklist