The Wrap Up List

Original author: Steven Arntson

THE LOWDOWN:
“Sixteen-year-old Gabriela has just received a very disturbing letter.  It was sent by a Death—an eight-foot-tall shimmering gray creature with gills.  The letter is short and to the point: Gabriela has a week left to live, and next Wednesday her Death, Hercule, will show up to escort her into the afterlife whether she’s ready or not.  Gabriela is devastated.  Dying is bad, sure, but dying without ever having kissed the dreamy Sylvester Hale is ever worse.
Gabriela isn’t the only one in need of a first kiss—three of her friends would love theirs too.  She’s determined to put their romantic affairs in order before her times runs out.  There is one last hope, though: Gabriela’s Death has a secret weakness.  If Gabriela can figure it out, she might be able to trick him into letting her go…
It’s a week of firsts for best friends, but Gabriela has to play it smart.  Otherwise, this week will be her last.”

 

FIRST IMPRESSION:
Some people die from heart attacks, and some from falling off ladders.  Some are killed in car accidents.  Some drown.  Some, like my grandfather Gonzalo, die in war.
But some people don’t die—they depart.

 

SNAPSHOT:
What could be a dark story or an overly sappy one is instead a uniquely fun read that’s hard to put down, with barely sixteen-year-old Gabriela.  Her loving relationships with friends, family, and community members—as Gabriela searches with best friend Iris for the key to a Pardon—are at the heart of this beautiful, sweet journey of one girl’s final days.
The impending war is painted in broad strokes that feel appropriate for the sophomore main character’s understanding.  The same can be said of the almost fae-like Deaths from the Silver Side and their red letters.  Readers may find themselves like Iris: hungry for information on these fascinating creatures and the roles they play for those who depart!
Appropriate for ages 12+.  No strong sexual content or language.  Themes may be slightly intense for younger readers, but should serve as great conversation starters in audiences of all ages.  Religion, LGBT issues, war, and of course death are all given face-time in this tale where each is treated with curiosity, respect, questions, and a sense of normalcy.  A diverse cast racially, socially, religiously, and even sexually. 

 

GET IT ON YOUR SHELF:
If you…
• Love thoughtful, active female main characters
• Enjoy your paranormal with a heavy dose of realism and a pinch of romance
• Want a good cry for reasons both sweet and bitter
• Believe that friendship comes in all shapes and size

 

THE ESSENTIALS:
Contemporary YA paranormal
Hardcover & Ebook, 240 pages
Published January 8th, 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (ISBN 0547824106)
http://www.stevenarntson.com/p/wrap-up-list.html