after the rain

winner of the newberry award for one. grandfather and grand daughter use time as a rare and blessed opportunity to grow closer to each other.

Izzy and his grand daughter more alike each other than they know begin to form a relationship after she already a high school student and he by now a very elder seer.

Family Secrets

Izzy's doctor advises his family not to let him know that he has an illness for which there is no cure available. Izzy who believes his world is just fine begins to go for out for walks each day in order to heal his body. Soon his grand daughter who desires to get to know this man makes an effort to join him on his adventures out of doors. The two become close and Rachel learns what real love is really all about.

The pen of author Norma Fox Mazer handles the emotions of teenage Rachel and her young adult world in a way that brings a great understanding to the family dynamic during a time of the loss of a grand parent. Mazer helps Rachel bring a bright animation to the subject of death, dying and disease. Rachel faces her truth head on and does not flinch from patience or a greater understanding of the moments of the spiritual meaning of her experience.

Lewis

Somewhere in the middle of loss Rachel meets Lewis who becomes a staunch and best friend to Rachel during her time of transition and family loss. He is able to remain calm, stable and supportive while Rachel attends to her grand father. Between going to the hospital instead of school by this time Rachel grows and matures beyond what even what some of the adults around her thought possible. (#vacation #dream #summer)

"She goes to Izzy's house the next afternoon, straight from school. They walk at his snail's pace. He seems to be all right. His breathing is actually better than the first day she walked with him. He doesn't even have to stop to wipe his forehead." Rachel begins to think he is getting better.