Synopses & Reviews
The happily-ever-after of Holly Goldberg Sloan's acclaimed debut,
I'll Be There, is turned on its head in this riveting, emotional sequel about friends, enemies, and how those roles can shift in a matter of moments.
Emily Bell has it all. She's in love with a boy named Sam Border, and his little brother has become part of her family. This summer is destined to be the best time of their lives--until a charismatic new girl in town sets her sights on Sam. Now Emily finds herself questioning the loyalty of the person she thought she could trust most.
But the biggest threat to her happiness is someone she never saw coming. Sam's criminally insane father, whom everyone thought they'd finally left behind, is planning a jailbreak. And he knows exactly where to find Emily and his sons when he escapes...and takes his revenge.
Review
"Immensely satisfying, heartfelt, and lyrical.... A truly compelling novel.... Sloan succeeds in skillfully combining the tenderness of young love, various distinct voices, and fast-paced action."--School Library Journal
Review
"Strong dialogue and genuine emotional concern...make this a heart-warming novel.... Definitely a book worth the read."--VOYA
Review
"Lively, tender, and satisfying."--The Horn Book
Review
"[Delivers] an ultimately hopeful message about how friendships and families can form. Sure to be savored by fans of the first installment."--Kirkus Reviews
Review
Praise for I'll Be There:A 2012 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults BookA 2011 Los Angeles Public Library Best of YA BookA 2011 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best BookA Colorado Blue Spruce Book Award NomineeA South Dakota Young Adult Reading Program BookA Connecticut Teen Nutmeg Award NomineeA Washington Evergreen YA Book Award NomineeA Missouri Gateway Award NomineeA Holland Golden List Award Winner
Review
* "[A] life-affirming exploration of the subtleties of love, compassion, and relationships....Like the song it was named for, this book is hard to get out of your head."--The Horn Book, starred review
Review
* "Any reader who has ever questioned whether even the smallest gesture of kindness can make a difference will appreciate this book....This riveting story will keep readers interested and guessing until the end."--SLJ, starred review
Review
* "Sloan builds characters rich with depth and realism....A terrific read, quick to capture the audience, this book will make readers sing the melody in their hearts."--VOYA, starred review
Review
"Destinies collide in Sloan's thrilling sequel to her heart-wrenching I'll Be There. The fast-paced plot, complex story lines, and compelling characters grab readers from the get-go."--Booklist
About the Author
Holly Goldberg Sloan is the author of the acclaimed novels I'll Be There and Counting by 7s, a New York Times bestseller, and has written and directed a number of successful family feature films. She was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and spent her childhood living in California; the Netherlands; Istanbul; Washington, DC; and Oregon. The mother of two sons, Holly lives with her husband in Santa Monica, California.