Thoughts & Prayers by Bryan Bliss
Published by Greenwillow Books on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0062962248
Pages: 448
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Goodreads

Note: published in 2020.  This novel in three parts brings readers into the daily routines and struggles of three survivors of a high school shooting who are trying to go on with their lives in different ways.  Claire, Eleanor and Brezzen each have their own story of how the trauma of the school shooting a year ago hinders or dictates their present situation.  Claire has moved across country under the guardianship of her older brother and struggles to find a way to get beyond the panic attacks that influence her in self-isolating and physically catatonic ways.  The skateboard park and a close group of friends help her start to bridge a way out of her isolation.  A few days after the shooting, Eleanor expressed her anger with a self-created t-shirt featuring unapproved swears which created a movement and backlash on social media and unforeseen consequences for her family.  Now, as she is ready to move on, complete strangers infringe on her privacy and personal safety with mixed school support.   After a year, Brezzen is finally ready to step back into the school for the first time.  Using D&D as a way to be brave, his therapist and his friends support him as he sees a way through his trauma.  This is a powerful book that includes character development, natural dialog and positive points for pondering later.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library