The Caldecott MedalтАУwinning author portrays a teenage boyтАЩs battle with griefтАФand a devastating mysteryтАФafter his brother is killed by a drunk driver.
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Jesse Harmon is tortured by guilt because he survived the hit-and-run accident that killed his deaf brother, Bry. His guilt is compounded when he finds he is attracted to BryтАЩs crush, Chloe. Together Jesse and Chloe try to track down the drunk driver who killed BryтАФbut discovering the driverтАЩs identity leads to disturbing truths that could change their lives forever.
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тАЬFast paced, suspenseful, magnetic, and meaningful, A Sudden Silence speaks about guilt, grief, and survival.тАЭ тАФSchool Library Journal
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тАЬBunting conveys a strong anti-alcoholism message through an intriguing detective story; JesseтАЩs search to understand what has occurred is realistically portrayed, and the novel ends with signs that he is beginning to accept his loss.тАЭ тАФPublishers Weekly
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тАЬThe novelтАЩs anti-alcohol message is unmistakable, but it doesnтАЩt overwhelm the plot, which will capture teens with its brisk pacing and crisply sketched characters. A particularly good choice for reluctant readers.тАЭ тАФBooklist