Reaper

Gr 6 Up—Rosie is no stranger to death. She spent a year watching her father slowly die of cancer. Her best friend was little to no help with her grief. Her mom did all she could to help Rosie through her pain while dealing with her own feelings. Just as Rosie thinks she is finally getting back to normal, she finds herself in front of Death Herself. Seeing the world through Rosie's eyes is not easy, but readers will be swept away by Leigh's beautiful writing, which will have them turning page after page. Death is the greatest mystery in the world, and Rosie is in search of answers. Leigh takes the mythology of grim reapers and explores what it would be like if everyday people had to do the reaping. It's a question that will resonate with teens long after they've turned the last page. Rosie transforms from a stubborn child into a mature character who must grapple with her newfound power. As Leigh adeptly leads readers through this world, they will identify with Rosie and the secondary characters. This rumination on loss is a great discussion starter about life, death, and the afterlife.