One of the Survivors

One of the Survivors
By Susan Shaw
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009. 199 pgs. Young Adult

Joey Campbell understands the dangers of fire and when fire alarms go off, he reacts appropriately. If only the parents and other residents in his town understood that as well, perhaps they wouldn’t blame him and Maureen for the fire and the 24 dead people. 24 dead, 2 survivors—that’s all Joey can think of and he endures a summer of grief and pain as he contemplates why he and Maureen were the only survivors of the fire.

This quick read, while not overly emotional, effectively portrays a young man who deals with the guilt of having survived when others, including many friends, did not. I appreciated how the author made me think about what I would have done in this situation and seeing how Joey resolved his feelings towards the event.

MN