Chapter Book #7

Title:  Echo

Author:  Kate Morgenroth

Illustrator: Daniel Roode

Genre:  Youth Fiction 

Subgenre:  Realistic Fiction 

Themes:  coping with a loss of a family member, adolescence, family catastrophes, high school relationships, peer pressure, illusions, deja vu, post traumatic stress disorder, death

Primary and Secondary Characters: Justin, Mark, Justin's parents, Billy, Ricky, Tim, Megan, Zack, Daniel, Mr. Franks, Dr. Ryden and the school bus driver

Awards:  Edgar-Award Nominated Author

Date of Publication:  2007

Publishing Company:  Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Summary:

Justin is just an ordinary fifteen year old who is always getting into minor arguments with his brother, Mark.  But one day, it's taken too far and Mark threatens to "kill the kid" and Justin does nothing to keep Mark from pulling the trigger on himself.  Justin then blames himself for his brother's death and does not handle it well.  Becoming an outcast in school, Justin gets into trouble and bullies up on his old friends.  Justin has this "voice" in his head that almost acts as a conscience.  Justin relives a single day at school over and over just to realize that he is not handling his brother's death in a healthy manner.  In reality, he is undergoing a hypnosis with his psychiatrist, Dr. Ryden.  For the final day that is relived, Justin overdoses on his mother's pills and is kept in a hospital and finally wakes up to realize that he's been in Dr. Ryden's room the entire time he is reliving his stories.  Dr. Ryden is helping Justin to relive his "troubled" days in order to get through the stress of losing his brother.  Justin finally realizes that he's not to blame for his brother's death, but also knows that he is never going to be the same person again.  He plans on getting his act together and plans to become more involved within family life.  His parents feel remorse with him and together they get through the tragedy of their unfortunate loss.

How it will be used in the classroom:
This psychological thriller novel could help students that have lost a sibling relate to this story line.  The recommended ages for this book are 13-18 due to some graphic language and violence.  This book also keeps students engaged on what reality could be like for other students that are in high school.  This could be a great opportunity for students to be able to free write their views on this book within a journal or diary.