Book details
Sweet, Hereafter (The Heaven Trilogy)
Description
After Heaven and The First Part Last, three-time Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Angela Johnson concludes her acclaimed trilogy with a poignant tale of finding where you belong and who you belong with. Shoogy left home with all her jeans still in the washer because she couldnt think of a reason to stay. Shes not sure where she belongs, until she meets Curtis. Curtis knows for certain where he does not want to be and thats to be back in the army. He is happy to be in Ohio, where it is quiet and he can spend time with Shoogy. But when Curtis gets orders to return to Iraq, will belonging with each other be enough to keep Shoogy and Curtis together? Angela Johnson takes us back to Heaven, Ohio in this bittersweet tale of first love found and lost.
Age
11-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
128 pages
Book in series
#3
Why to read
- Exploration of Grief and Healing: 'Sweet, Hereafter' delves into the complex emotions surrounding loss and the journey towards healing, offering readers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a young girl's coping mechanisms after a tragic event.
- Lyrical and Poetic Prose: Angela Johnson is known for her beautiful and evocative writing style. Reading this book allows one to experience the rhythmic and poetic nature of her prose, which enhances the emotional impact of the story.
- Diverse Perspectives: The novel provides insight into the lives of African American characters and their communities, contributing to the representation of diverse voices and experiences in literature, which is important for broadening readers' understanding and empathy.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: The book tackles important themes such as the meaning of family, the impact of loss, and the search for hope and redemption. These themes encourage readers to reflect on their own lives and the ways in which they deal with their personal challenges.