When Light Left Us

(Hardback)

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Description

When Hank, Ana, and Milo Vasquez's father left, nothing could fill his absence in their lives . . . until the shimmering figure of Luz appeared in the canyon behind their house. Luz filled the void. He wrote with seventeen-year-old Hank's hands. He showed fourteen-year-old Ana beautiful images behind her eyes. He spoke to eight-year-old Milo. But then Luz left, just like their father, and he took something from each of them. Reeling from yet another unexpected loss, the Vasquez family must start the new school year pretending as if nothing happened. Life can never again be "back to normal", but maybe this new normal is worth living in ways they never expected. In a unique exploration of human--and non-human--nature, Leah Thomas shows the beauty and strength in the bond between family and true friends. Because You'll Never Meet Me A William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist

Reviews

Unforgettable and distinct voices . . . A fantastic novel that will be especially resonant for readers who struggle with being or feeling outside of "normal." -- starred review * Booklist on NOWHERE NEAR YOU *
Part mad science, part convincing portrayal of the volatile, resilient nature of friendship and grief--and that, as Ollie says, is not science fiction. * Kirkus Reviews on NOWHERE NEAR YOU *
The pacing is impeccable, as letters move from sunniness (Oliver) and bemused distance (Moritz) to both writers exploring their darkest fears, experiences, and worries for their futures. -- starred review * BCCB on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME *
A witty, unusual take on friendship and parlaying weakness into power. * Kirkus Reviews on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME *
Ollie and Moritz are memorable characters with engaging and often humorous voices. . . A quirky, almost whimsical feel even as Thomas grounds it in heartfelt and often painful emotion. * SLJ on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME *
The two may be eccentric outcasts, but their conflicts, heartbreak, and eventual bond form a relatable and engaging narrative. * Publishers Weekly on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME *
Its the distinct, deeply memorable voices of Ollie and Moritz that make this novel an affecting page-turner. * Horn Book Magazine on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME *

Author Bio

Leah Thomas frequently loses battles of wits against her students and her stories. When she's not huddled in cafes, she's usually at home pricking her fingers in service of cosplay. Leah lives in San Diego, California and is the author of Nowhere Near You and the William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist, Because You'll Never Meet Me.