I told myself I wasn’t going to read this one. The school shooting that sets the whole story in motion would hit too close to home for me, would bring out too many thoughts and fears that I’d rather not confront when losing myself in a story. Of course, I didn’t listen to that inner voice…

Six-year-old Zach has faced the worst thing imaginable. Huddled in a closet with his teacher and classmates while hearing the sounds of gunfire, he is the survivor of a school shooting. But surviving such a tragedy isn’t without consequences, and Zach and his family run the gamut during the aftermath. We hear the entire story in Zach’s voice, from his perspective. Because in such a horrible situation, isn’t that the one that truly matters?

I’m not going to lie, the first few chapters of this book were very difficult to get through. I almost set it aside more than once. To me, though, that is the mark of a truly gifted author telling a truly remarkable story. This is a very real, very relevant tale. It’s a harsh reminder that the ripples of such an event are far-reaching and long-lasting.

~Thalia

Buy It Now: Only Child