Review: After Ever After

After Ever After
Jordan Sonnenblick
2010; Scholastic Press; ISBN 978-0-439-83706-4 (hardcover)

Summary: Jeffrey may be in remission, but that doesn't mean that cancer isn't still affecting him. The chemo drugs he took as a little kid gave him a limp and problems concentrating. Now that he's starting eighth grade, those problems get complicated with his crush on beautiful new girl Lindsey. At least Jeff has his best friend and fellow cancer survivor Tad to help him pass math. Jeff has to lean on Tad and Lindsey, since his hero of a big brother quit college, went to Africa, and spends all his time learning new drumming rhythms. As the test that could make or break his future looms, Jeff draws upon his friends, his family, and most of all himself.

A moving story of what happens after remission is achieved, After Ever After continues the story of Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. This time, the story is from Jeffrey's POV, which shows how cancer impacts not just the victim. But more than a story about cancer, After Ever After is a coming-of-age tale, showing one boy's journey towards his future. Pair this with A Summer to Die for another perspective on siblings and cancer.