Picture this: a knife that can heal, but only if you never use it out of anger. And it's been passed down in your family for ages. Now, imagine you're just twelve years old, and somehow, you're the reason it's gone missing. That's the setup for “The Aftertime.” Starting in colonial Virginia and hopping to the present day, it's all about friendship, justice, and figuring out what's worth fighting for. Through the eyes of two kids—one English, one Monacan—the story dives deep into moral dilemmas and standing up for what's right. It's a real rollercoaster of a read, with heart and history all mixed in. Middle Age readers and more will enjoy this heart-warming and educational story.

I had expectations for this story, but they were well-exceeded. It will definitely be a new addition to our middle grades library. It's getting increasingly difficult to find good new literature for boys that focuses on character, decision making, and growing up while still being interesting and action-oriented. This book does all of those things (and girls will like it, too), plus it features some history lessons, including a lesser known Revolutionary War battle and a Native American tribe that isn't usually talked about in school. For kids living in the coastal NC area or Virginia, there will be more personal connections that make the story even more relatable. Overall, excellent!