What I Leave Behind — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
“Haunting, introspective.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Emotionally raw…[A] piercing narrative.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“McGhee artfully illustrates the tangled web wherein grief intertwines with the mundane.” —BCCB
After his dad dies of suicide, Will tries to overcome his own misery by secretly helping the people around him in this exquisitely crafted story made up of one hundred chapters of one hundred words each, by award-winning and bestselling author Alison McGhee.
Sixteen-year-old Will spends most of his days the same way: Working at the Dollar Only store, trying to replicate his late father’s famous cornbread recipe, and walking the streets of Los Angeles. Will started walking after his father committed suicide, and three years later he hasn’t stopped. But there are some places Will can’t walk by: The blessings store with the chest of 100 Chinese blessings in the back, the bridge on Fourth Street where his father died, and his childhood friend Playa’s house.
When Will learns Playa was raped at a party—a party he was at, where he saw Playa, and where he believes he could have stopped the worst from happening if he hadn’t left early—it spurs Will to stop being complacent in his own sadness and do some good in the world. He begins to leave small gifts for everyone in his life, from Superman the homeless guy he passes on his way to work, to the Little Butterfly Dude he walks by on the way home, to Playa herself. And it is through those acts of kindness that Will is finally able to push past his own trauma and truly begin to live his life again. Oh, and discover the truth about that cornbread.
Frequently asked questions
Is What I Leave Behind appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book addresses significant themes of violence, including the protagonist's father's suicide and the rape of his childhood friend. These elements are central to the character's emotional journey. While the book deals with heavy themes of grief and trauma, there are no elements classified as scary or horror-related in the search results.
Does What I Leave Behind have violence?
The book addresses significant themes of violence, including the protagonist's father's suicide and the rape of his childhood friend. These elements are central to the character's emotional journey.
Does What I Leave Behind have scary content?
While the book deals with heavy themes of grief and trauma, there are no elements classified as scary or horror-related in the search results.
Does What I Leave Behind have religious themes?
No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are present in the narrative of 'What I Leave Behind.' The content does not indicate any religious themes.
Does What I Leave Behind have racial/cultural content?
There are no explicit references to race or racism as a central theme in 'What I Leave Behind.' The narrative focuses on personal grief and trauma rather than racial issues.
Does What I Leave Behind have profanity?
The book contains infrequent profanity, including words like 's--t,' 'f--k,' and 'bastard,' primarily used for emphasis.
Does What I Leave Behind have climate change?
No climate-related themes or discussions are present in the narrative of 'What I Leave Behind.' The content does not address environmental issues.
Does What I Leave Behind have sexual identity?
The narrative includes themes of sexual assault, specifically mentioning the rape of a childhood friend at a party, which is a critical aspect of the protagonist's experiences.
Does What I Leave Behind have gender roles?
The search results do not indicate any specific exploration of gender roles or expectations in 'What I Leave Behind.' The focus remains on the protagonist's personal struggles.
Does What I Leave Behind have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the search results related to 'What I Leave Behind.' The focus is primarily on the protagonist's personal struggles rather than any LGBTQ+ content.
