Cover of The beginning of after

The beginning of after

by Jennifer Castle

Reading Level 5-6 Moderate (Lvl 3) Ages 13+

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

Laurel’s life is shattered when a devastating car crash takes her family and leaves her grappling with grief and a world that feels unrecognizable. As she faces painful memories, shifting friendships, and confusing feelings toward David, the son of the man responsible, she discovers how loss can forge unexpected bonds and force her to grow in ways she never imagined. This story captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and the complicated path toward healing.

Representation & Themes

GriefComing of AgeFriendshipFamilyInterpersonal RelationsHigh Schools

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 3 — Moderate
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Loss & Grief Divorce & Family Change Fear & Anxiety Bullying
Data confidence: standard

Details

ISBN
9780061985799
Pages
425
Publisher
Harper Collins
Published
2011
Type
Fiction
Word Count
89,474

Genres

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

GriefSchoolsInterpersonal relationsFictionHigh schoolsJuvenile fictionBereavementFiction, general