The Space Between Before and After

Praise

“Stauffacher has written an interesting take on how to handle grief from a young boy’s perspective.”—Booklist

“This novel is incredibly heartwarming and the characters feel very real . . . A great addition to any collection and one that may certainly help children dealing with their own personal losses.”—School Library Journal

“Unbearably sad in the best way, this story traces Thomas’s grief journey with redemptive wisdom and quiet elegance. Thomas’ support network of compassionate adults and friends is ideal, with just enough salt to keep the sweetness from being overwhelming. . . . Circulate this with a pack of tissues attached.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A boy struggles to make sense of his mother’s disappearance in this meditative middle-grade novel . . . Short, slowly paced chapters from Thomas’ first-person point of view form the main narrative, interspersed with an invented fairy tale he imagines with his kind, elderly Hungarian neighbor, Mrs. Sharp, who as a girl was separated from her father during World War II. . . . A poignant, earnest story of grief and hope for fans of realistic fiction.”—Kirkus Reviews


“Although this book is filled with sadness and uncertainty, it concludes on a hopeful note, with Thomas, his father, his aunt, and their friends finding peace in the grieving process. This story is a tactful look at two difficult topics: depression and suicide. It also teaches the reader to treat others with grace and compassion as each of us handles emotional struggle differently.” —School Library Connection