Setting Free the Kites by Alex George

Beautifully crafted story about loss, family and friendship between two middle school boys. Nathan and Robert become friends after a bullying incident and are inseparable ever since. Nathan loses his father early and then Robert loses his brother and the two must navigate growing up with unbearable grief. Nathan begins to grieve by taking chances while Robert tries to keep up and let grief make sense. While Nathan finds new ways to test death and get the attention of the unattainable girl, Robert must try to keep up and bring his family back together. This is the perfect coming of age story and one that is destined to be placed on the shelf with " To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Stand by Me".