Before You Go - by James Preller (Paperback)

About the Book

The summer before his senior year, Jude gets his first job, falls in love for the first time, and starts to break away from his parents. Jude's house is kept dark, and no one talks much--it's been that way since his little sister drowned in a swimming pool seven years ago when Jude was supposed to be watching her. Now, Jude is finally, finally starting to live.

Book Synopsis

The summer before his senior year, Jude (yes, he's named after the Beatles song) gets his first job, falls in love for the first time, and starts to break away from his parents. Jude's house is kept dark, and no one talks much--it's been that way since his little sister drowned in a swimming pool seven years ago when Jude was supposed to be watching her.

Now, Jude is finally, finally starting to live. Really live. And then, life spins out of control. Again.

Acclaimed author James Preller explores life, death, love, faith, and resilience in his first young adult novel. Before You Go will grip readers from the book's dramatic first few pages to its emotional end.

Review Quotes

"Preller makes us care about these people. We wonder about them when they're gone." --The New York Times

"The author strikes the right tone in capturing Jude's inner struggles with grief, angst and love." --Kirkus Reviews

"Will hook readers." --Booklist

About the Author

James Preller is the author of several picture books and novels, including A Pirate's Guide to First Grade, Six Innings, and Bystander. Before You Go is his first work for young adults. He lives in Delmar, New York.