If You're Reading This - Tapa dura

Praise for Trent Reedy's previous novels:

STEALING AIR

"[Reedy] nails the angst of the middle-school lunchroom, the tentativeness of a first boy-girl relationship, and the mood of a family who has pulled up their roots for a new opportunity that's not going as well as hoped. This is a solid story that will ring true to readers for many years to come." -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

"This is a great choice for any reader, but especially for those who enjoy adventure." -- LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION

WORDS IN THE DUST

"Both heart-wrenching and timely." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS

"A beautifully written novel that introduces young readers to a fascinating culture." -- PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

"Readers will readily find themselves rooting for Zulaikha in this simply told yet thoughtful story." -- THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS

* "Powerful and emotionally raw, with sympathetic characters and a thought-provoking premise, this tale reflects Reedy's strengths: evoking the small-town American spirit, capturing the feel of the military, and getting into the heart of his teenage protagonist." --Publisher's Weekly, starred review
Praise for Trent Reedy's previous novels:

STEALING AIR

"[Reedy] nails the angst of the middle-school lunchroom, the tentativeness of a first boy-girl relationship, and the mood of a family who has pulled up their roots for a new opportunity that's not going as well as hoped. This is a solid story that will ring true to readers for many years to come." -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

"This is a great choice for any reader, but especially for those who enjoy adventure." -- LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION

WORDS IN THE DUST

"Both heart-wrenching and timely." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS

"A beautifully written novel that introduces young readers to a fascinating culture." -- PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

"Readers will readily find themselves rooting for Zulaikha in this simply told yet thoughtful story." -- THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Praise for If You're Reading This
* "Powerful and emotionally raw, with sympathetic characters and a thought-provoking premise, this tale reflects Reedy's strengths: evoking the small-town American spirit, capturing the feel of the military, and getting into the heart of his teenage protagonist." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A moving study of war's long-reaching effects on families." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for If You're Reading This
* "Powerful and emotionally raw, with sympathetic characters and a thought-provoking premise, this tale reflects Reedy's strengths: evoking the small-town American spirit, capturing the feel of the military, and getting into the heart of his teenage protagonist." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A moving study of war's long-reaching effects on families." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Trent Reedy's previous novels:
STEALING AIR
"[Reedy] nails the angst of the middle-school lunchroom, the tentativeness of a first boy-girl relationship, and the mood of a family who has pulled up their roots for a new opportunity that's not going as well as hoped. This is a solid story that will ring true to readers for many years to come." -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"This is a great choice for any reader, but especially for those who enjoy adventure." -- LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION
WORDS IN THE DUST
"Both heart-wrenching and timely." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS
"A beautifully written novel that introduces young readers to a fascinating culture." -- PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
"Readers will readily find themselves rooting for Zulaikha in this simply told yet thoughtful story." -- THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Mike was seven when his father was killed in mysterious circumstances in Afghanistan. Eight years later, the family still hasn't recovered: Mike's mom is overworked and overprotective; his younger sister Mary feels no connection to the father she barely remembers; and in his quest to be "the man of the family," Mike knows he's missing out on everyday high school life.
Then, out of the blue, Mike receives a letter from his father -- the first of a series Dad wrote in Afghanistan, just in case he didn't come home, meant to share some wisdom with his son on the eve of Mike's 16th birthday. As the letters come in, Mike revels in spending time with his dad again, and takes his encouragement to try new things -- to go out for the football team, and ask out the beautiful Isma. But who's been keeping the letters all these years? And how did Dad actually die? As the answers to these mysteries are revealed, Mike and his family find a way to heal and move forward at last.