Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

In Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano Eddie is twelve-years-old; he has an older brother he idolizes and parents that are pretty okay, too. The four of them are moving from New York to California, but mid-way through the transcontinental flight, the worst happens. The plane goes down in Colorado leaving Eddie as the only survivor. Taken in by his aunt and uncle, Eddie returns to the east coast and chooses to leave behind the nickname used by his family. Now Edward, he must find a way to recover physically and emotionally. What he doesn't know is what he means to the rest of the world. Strangers latch on to his story of survival looking for hope or meaning or whatever it is they need. Edward does his best to ignore the stares in public or the sensation he has become on the internet, but when he discovers the letters that have been written to him something changes.

The chapters alternate between Edward's present and an almost play by play of the events on the plane. In one moment we watch as Edward navigates middle and high school in a new place and as the new person he has somehow become. In the next we are back on the plane, watching the last hours of 191 people tick by without them even knowing. We get to know some of the other passengers: an injured soldier returning home to heal, a large bohemian woman who claims to remember her past lives, a wealthy old man looking back at his life, a wealthy young man determined to take every opportunity he can grab, and a glamorous flight attendant who catches everyone's attention. We also meet Shay, the girl who lives next door to Edward's aunt and uncle who becomes exactly the friend he needs.

This book was beautifully written. It was heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Losing everything the way Edward does is more than I can imagine, but Napolitano handles it with gentleness and truth. She doesn't shy away from the physical and emotional trauma. We watch as Edward grows through the years and gradually finds a way to live again, helped along by his aunt and uncle, his new friend, and his own determination. I really liked this book and I think you will, too.