Keeper of the Night

From the National Book Award winner, a “heart-rending” novel with an “endearing, complicated narrator” coming of age in the shadow of her mother's suicide (The New York Times Book Review).

Isabel's mother died peacefully. At least that's what Isabel likes to think since no one in her family will talk about the truth. But in spite of their avoidance, in spite of their brave faces, the truth has a way of revealing itself at night, in her family's behavior. Her father sleeps curled up on the floor right where Mama's body was found. Olivia wets her bed and wakes repeatedly from nightmares, and Frank has started carving his anger into his bedroom wall. It's up to Isabel to help her family get beyond the pain and loss—to be the keeper of the night. But who will help Isabel?

“Evocative . . . haunting.” ―Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Beautifully written.” ―School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Exquisitely presented . . . stunningly beautiful.” ―Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Holt's plain, direct prose belies the deep pain the narrator feels as she tries to understand her mother's life and death.” ―Bookpage

“Beautifully written, this tale reaches into the heart of Guam and touches gold.” ―Seattle Times

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

A Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice

A Parents' Choice Gold Award