Review by Megan, age 18

Beth is getting over the flu and welcomes the chance to stay home in the quiet house while her family takes off for a picnic. She wakes from her nap into a nightmare when a policeman rings the front doorbell with the news that there has been a terrible accident. The life she knows is gone and the future is too hard and too scary to even think about.

Lurlene McDaniel provides comfort and encouragement for young people by showing how teens like us can overcome amazingly difficult things in their lives.

Beth comes from the kind of family that is so good, it only exists in books. Although she fights with her younger brother and sister, the family is very close. Right before the accident, Beth's mom has convinced her that she should invite her first cousin, an only child, to spend a month in the summer with them. I realize that the two of you aren't close...but you're the closest thing to a sister Terri will ever have, you know, says her mom, little realizing that will soon also be true for Beth.

Beth has a terrible time accepting that her family is gone but even worse, she must now go live with her Aunt and Uncle and cousin Terri. Her Aunt and Uncle really do care for her but she has to move to their home, thousands of miles away from the only town and friends she has ever known. Will she survive the horrors of going to a new school, finding new friends, and coping with her bratty cousin? Can she do all this without the support of the family she now wishes she had valued more when they were alive?

Sometimes something happens and I think, "Wait till I tell Mom." Then I remember there is no Mom to tell.

This book is very powerful. I have never been in a situation like Beth's, but I do know the trauma, heartache and hardship that go along with having your life changed completely. Lurlene McDaniel is a great author and I read all her books as soon as I can get them. She provides comfort and encouragement for young people by showing how teens like us can overcome amazingly difficult things in their lives. It helps to know that, with time, understanding, and faith, life will be OK -- not necessarily what you expected, but OK.

The Girl Death Left Behind made me cry, laugh and feel for Beth. You should especially read it if you've gone through a hardship with your family. After reading this book I felt sad, yes, but hopeful also. It made me believe that with every rainstorm, sunshine is around the corner.

Published by BDD
176 p.