What She Left Behind

Gr 9 Up—Sara's father has always been a neat freak, particular about how things are done, and a bit domineering. After her brother commits suicide, his actions go from being controlling to physically abusive, especially toward Sara's mother. But just as she is preparing to escape with her daughter, she goes missing. Left alone with her father—who is quickly slipping further and further from reality—Sara works to protect herself while trying to find her mother. Her one lifeline in her increasingly isolated world is her friend Zach, her brother's former best friend. Negotiating her father's abuse, her missing mother, and a burgeoning romantic relationship with a new guy, Sara's juggling act takes all of her strength and wits to survive. Bilen includes details to make the story current and relatable with various pop-culture references. She also maintains a consistent feeling of isolation and helplessness; even when Sara is away from her father, the small-town setting and his connections to the local police force intensify the overall feeling of being trapped and watched. Quickly paced and with a dramatic conclusion, this story feels a bit like a less-dramatic Chris Crutcher novel.—Jennifer Miskec, Longwood University, Farmville, VA