The Way Back to You written by Michelle Andreani and Mindi Scott, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this poignant novel, two teens, Cloudy and Kyle, embark on a spontaneous road trip across the Southwest to connect with the recipients of their late friend Ashlyn's donated organs. Following Ashlyn's tragic death in a bike accident, Cloudy and Kyle struggle with their grief while navigating a complex relationship filled with unspoken feelings. As they visit the organ recipients, they confront their shared loss and slowly begin to heal. Through alternating chapters, the story beautifully captures their emotional journey, exploring themes of love, loss, and renewal. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Some programming ideas can be created to focus on themes of grief, empathy, and the significance of organ donation. Book discussions can encourage students to reflect on personal experiences with loss and the importance of connection. Collaborating with health educators to discuss organ donation and its impact can further enhance students' understanding of the subject matter, fostering a compassionate school community. The road trip aspect adds an element of adventure, allowing readers to experience different places and meet new people through the characters' interactions.  It's an emotional book, so there might be some tears.