Within Reach

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Xander Hemlock is dead—or is he? He has 30 days to prove to his girlfriend, Lila, that he is not, but it seems impossible, as he is trapped in another realm with a mentor named Wes. Meanwhile, he must endure witnessing Jason, Lila's childhood best friend, comfort her and take advantage of her vulnerable state of mind. Lila has a hard time accepting Xan's death and feels his presence. She goes to great lengths—meeting with clergy and a medium—to make a connection with him. Xan's situation is explained in depth, which helps readers believe that what Lila is experiencing is possible. Told in alternating perspectives between Lila and Xan, this narrative will help readers understand Xan's desperation to prove that he is alive and Lila's grief. Readers who enjoy a good love story will latch onto this one, as will those who like paranormal as well as a bit of mystery.