The Leaving by Tara Alterbrando

Eleven years ago, six children went missing from a school during a shooting. Five of them are back- and they seem fine, despite not remembering the last decade of their lives. What happened to them is a mystery- the only clues they have are their subconscious minds and the habits they have. Jumping from the perspective of a survivor of the Leaving, and the sister of the child who did not return, the hunt is on to find who took the children and why.

I thought the book was okay. The idea was intriguing and the mystery was interesting, but the execution was lackluster. The solution to the mystery was vague and didn't seem like it flowed/ continued well in my opinion. However, the novel did a good job at showing feelings of loss and sorrow for the characters and the emotional aspect of the book was well written. I think readers of sad stories would enjoy this, but I can't say I loved reading it.

Reviewed by NK, Grade 10
Montrose Library