After Eli
When Daniel’s brother Eli is killed at war, Daniel considers the history of unusual fatalities to determine what makes a death — or a life — matter. Danny creates a Book of the Dead — an old binder that he fills with details about dead people, how they died, and, most important, for what purpose. Eventually Daniel is prompted to look up from his notebook of death and questions to make new friends and be swept into the moments that start life rolling again.
After Eli
- Subject
- Family - Siblings
- Age
- 9-12 years
- Format
- Trade Paperback
- Pages
- 256
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press (MA)
- Size
- 12.9 cm × 19.3 cm
- ISBN
- 9780763676742
When Daniel’s brother Eli is killed at war, Daniel considers the history of unusual fatalities to determine what makes a death — or a life — matter. Danny creates a Book of the Dead — an old binder that he fills with details about dead people, how they died, and, most important, for what purpose. Eventually Daniel is prompted to look up from his notebook of death and questions to make new friends and be swept into the moments that start life rolling again.
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What reviewers said
Rupp skillfully weaves Daniel’s memories of larger-than-life Eli and his lingering anger about his death with Daniel’s day-to-day challenges, including his dysfunctional family; his frustrations with his popular but conventional friends; his attraction to Isabelle, a gorgeous and free-spirited newcomer to town; and his nascent friendship with school outcast Walter... The pain running through the narrative is tempered with hope, humor, and resilience, offering insight into the anguish of those left behind.
Danny’s nostalgic first-person narration includes interestingly quirky information as well as sweet moments. Middle school readers will see the inevitable end of this first love long before Danny faces it, grieving his new loss but grateful for his healing. Far more than a summer romance, this is a tribute to those left behind.
The tone of this first-person narrative isn’t maudlin or morbid, it’s smart and searching, and the well structured story quietly builds to a moving climax and a worthy, satisfying conclusion.
Rupp’s poignant bildungsroman is therapeutic, particularly for those readers who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a loved one.
Those who connect will find a profound yet unpretentious story and a resilient, relatable protagonist.
This is a hard-hitting book that fosters healthy and honest discussions about death, war, love, and moving forward even when it’s nearly impossible.
“Nostalgic . . . interestingly quirky. . . . A tribute to those left behind.”
