Behind You

This heartwarming sequel to If You Come Softly from the Newbery winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming, explores the profound question—how do you go on after losing someone you love?

“A tender, existential meditation on grief.”—Kirkus Reviews

“[A] thought-provoking, satisfying novel that offers hope but no easy answers.”—School Library Journal

When Miah was shot, it was the end of his and Ellie’s love story. But it was the beginning of grief for Ellie and the many people who loved Miah. Now his mother’s inconsolable, his friends are lost, and Ellie doesn’t know how to move on. And there is Miah, watching all of this—preparing to let go.

How do we go on after losing someone we love? This is the question the living and the dead are asking.

With the help of each other, the living will come together. They will feel Miah in the wind, see him in the light, hear him in their music. And Miah will watch over them until he is sure each of those he loved is all right.

This beautiful sequel explores the experiences of those left behind after tragedy. It is a novel in which through hope, understanding, and love, healing begins.