THE WAY HE LIVED

Six distinct, vastly different teen voices tell this moving story about the aftermath of a young man’s death from exposure after giving up his supply of water during a Boy Scout hike in the Grand Canyon. Now Joel’s sisters and friends emotionally struggle as their lives move on without him. Their voices reveal introspection and doubt as the author skillfully shows how Joel influenced each life. Opening with a page listing the funeral service events for Joel, the work moves into each teen’s commentary, following the pattern set forth by the program. Like many eulogies, each section gushes with heartache and loss, at times pulling too forcefully at readers’ hearts. The narrative takes the forms of different writing styles, from online message transcripts to a blog, a technique that develops each teen’s personality. Piece by piece, the testimonials also weave together a characterization of Joel. A solid effort. (Fiction. YA)