WHERE THINGS COME BACK by John Corey Whaley

Bibliography:

Whaley, John Corey. 2011. WHERE THINGS COME BACK. New York: Atheneum Books. ISBN 9781442413344

Plot Summary:

Cullen is a seventeen-year-old young man getting ready to begin his senior year of high school. His future is bright.  He seems to have everything going for him. Everything changes for him when his fifteen-year-old brother, Gabriel, mysteriously disappears without a trace. As Cullen’s life is crumbing all around him, a young missionary is searching for his own purpose within the world. Seemingly unconnected, the two stories come together with an astonishing ending that no one sees coming.

Critical Analysis:

Through multiple points of views, the author weaves together a wonderful themed story about coming of age, growing into adulthood, and second chances. Through this multi-layered story, the author does a great job of creating characters that experience an internal journey as the story progresses. The language is fresh with its perfect balance of narration and dialogue as it is so believably delivered. The dialogue fits perfectly how kids that age would think and talk. As the characters are created in a very realistic way, so is the setting for this book. The setting is in Arkansas that can be recognized as the present time period.

Weakness:

The story is slow to get into, but by chapter four I was hooked.  Young adult readers need a quicker hook to keep them reading I think.
I would also suggest only older students read this book since one of the characters commits suicide. His death is a turning point in the storyline.

Reviews:

· 2012 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

· 2012 William C. Morris Debut Fiction Award

· YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults

· Kirkus: “…explores the process of grief, second chances, and even the meaning of life…”

Connections: 

Age Level: 14 and up
Reading Level:  7.5 
Pages:  256
Genre: Realistic Fiction 

· Discuss Point of View as the author switches within the story.

· Discuss the problem, solution, and climax of the story as the author unfolds the story.

· Discuss Author’s Purpose

· Character Analysis

· Research the Lazarus Woodpecker