Gr 7-10-Fifteen-year-old Ava had never been to a funeral until her boyfriend died. She is quickly consumed by sorrow and overwhelmed with the guilt that she, the unadventurous one, dared Jackson to dive off the rock in the first place. Unsure how she can possibly go on without him, she soon discovers that his spirit hasn't gotten very far. When she begins to feel his presence in various manifestations around her house, she holes up and spends all her time with "Jackson," unwilling to let him go. Ultimately, she realizes she will never live a normal life if she doesn't move on, but must figure out how to let him know. Told in Ava's voice, this novel-in-verse captures the all-consuming nature of intense teen love. Beyond Ava, though, the characters are only shallowly realized and a somewhat hackneyed plotline-a ghost can't leave unfinished business-is presented without any new spice. Still, this is a quick and agreeable, if not earth-shattering, read.-Jill Heritage Maza, Greenwich High School, CT Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

At her boyfriend Jackson's funeral, Ava's emotions are as raw as her bitten fingernails. She is empty without the relationship's "fireworks" and resorts to medication and sleep to relieve the pain. But seeing his reflection in the mirror, hearing CD messages, and smelling his scent convince Ava that Jackson is present in her house. Ava realizes that her friends and family are offering help, but she is reluctant to leave the house where Jackson is. Even the prospect of new romance is not enough. Eventually Ava confronts the unthinkable. She had dared Jackson to jump into the water from high above Heaven's Hideaway and feels responsible for his death. In the end, she demands that Jackson leave her, and he departs taking along Ava's "blanket of guilt." Ava then restarts her life with counseling. Using flashbacks, precise language and verse format, Schroeder creates vivid images that define the passion of teenage love. A happy couple at the carnival and the "cranberry red love" they shared is a grim contrast to bereaved Ava's hiding out in her ratty bathrobe and wallowing in the "warm sea" of her dead boyfriend's kisses. Each short poem develops the characters or the plot. "Let's Dance" describes the side stepping to which Ava and her mother resort in trying to talk openly about Jackson's death. Forgoing the easy resolution-Ava finding a new love-Schroeder opts for a rational and hopeful denouement with Ava seeking professional help. Teen girls will love this well-written, tragic romance.-Barbara Johnston.