Yet it quickly becomes clear that the real reason is Ethan he has experienced a tragic incident involving his best friend Kasey, and his parents think a new place will bring a new start. VERDICT Ambitious but never convoluted, this novel is a great addition to middle grade collections, especially those seeking nuanced realistic fiction.- Kaitlin Malixi, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PAĮthan and his family relocate from Boston to Palm Knot, GA, ostensibly to help Ethan’s grandfather as he gets older. As the mysteries unfold-What was the accident, and how did Kasey get hurt? Who is the mystery woman in the creepy house down the lane? Why don’t Grandpa and Ethan’s mother get along?-there is never a dull moment, and the rapid pace keeps readers engaged. Ethan’s grandfather is also an amusing and fascinating character, wise and sympathetic to the struggling Ethan. His new friend Coralee is exciting and enticing and the kind of friend any young person might wish for or strive to be. Ethan is a sensitive and lost soul, grappling with the emotions of a typical adolescent boy and the turmoil of a traumatic event. Debut author Standish skillfully weaves the events and characters into the fabric of a story that is emotionally charged and well-developed. This title is packed with conflict and familial and personal strife.

On top of Ethan’s guilt from the accident, he must make new friends at school, deal with his brother Roddie’s dissatisfaction with their new home, and witness the arguments between his mother and grandfather, who don’t get along for mysterious reasons. Ethan and his family relocate from Boston to Palm Knot, GA, ostensibly to help Ethan’s grandfather as he gets older.

The ethan i was before by ali standish