While You Were Out
J. Irvin Kuns, Author
Dutton Children’s Books, Fiction, 2006
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Loss of a friend, Grief, Family, Hope, Healing, School
Synopsis: Penelope is about to start fifth grade without her best friend, Tim, who died of cancer during the summer. Not only is she dealing with the grief of losing Tim, she is also dealing with the fact that her quirky father will be the new school janitor. And her irritating next door neighbor, Diane, thinks she can replace Tim as her best friend. Memories of Tim are everywhere, including the empty desk right next to her and their favorite oak tree near the playground. Finding a way to cope with her loneliness, she begins to write notes to Tim on her pink While You Were Out notepad, folds them and puts them inside Tim’s empty desk — “I hugged our tree today. I think it hugged me back.” After receiving a mysterious note with a poem about grief on her desk one day, she realizes someone else misses Tim as much as she does. Perhaps she will be able to survive fifth grade without Tim.
Why I like this story: J. Irvin Kuns has written a very sensitive and realistic story about grief, loneliness, hope, healing and the power of words that help a child move forward again. Written in first person, Penelope is authentic, smart and beautifully expresses her feelings, mixed with some sarcasm and humor. Her overactive father is imperfect and embarrassing when he jumps rope and plays marbles on the playground. He acts more like a student than the janitor. The book does show how Penelope finds a way of moving forward after losing her best friend and schoolmate. This is a very moving story that would help children deal with loss.
What a clever, clever idea with the notepad notes. Now I have to read to see what else she wrote!
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Nancy, I thought it was a clever idea. Very creative way of working through her grief.
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It sounds like a beautifully written book on a topic that sadly many kids need to deal with, Pat. I am curious as to who is leaving the notes and how Penelope comes to terms with her grief. You’ve made me want to read it 🙂
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I had to be careful not to reveal too much. It really is a story that is well-written. And it is a good book for kids who’ve suffered a loss or experienced separation.
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Oh, wow. This one looks like a tear-jerker. But what a great resource for kids dealing with such a tragedy.
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Glad you like it Michelle. It is a beautiful story that is raw with emotion, but handled well.
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You made me want to read this one now! Sounds like a beautifully written book on a tough topic for children. I’m curious about who’s writing poems back to her.
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Couldn’t tell, it would spoil the story. That author really showed how Penelope worked through her grief.
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I so enjoy the rawness of realistic fiction like his. I like how flawed and frustrating the author has made the father, too.
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You would love the father who is kind and interested but totally embarrassing. He’s like one of the kids — he’s the comic relief! But, the bond between father and daughter very strong!
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Hello Pat! Thank you for stopping by my blog! It’s so good to hear from you! You have a new blog design too, and I love it! This book sounds wonderful. It would indeed be helpful for a child in that situation to read. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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Thanks Leigh. Glad your enjoyed the book. Nice to see you blogging again.
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This sounds well done. I think it sounds wonderful for its purpose. 🙂
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It is written very well. And, it is a quick read. It meets so many needs for kids.
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Nice review, Ms Tilton. The book looks like a good one. A sad topic that too many kids are faced with. Losing a best friend is soooo hard, no matter what the reason. And coping with loss on top of everything else preteens face can be really tough. Thanks for sharing.
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It was a lovely book written with great sensitivity. Loved how the author used the pink messages in a very cathartic way for Penelope.
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