Alicia Afterimage

By Lulu Delacre

A story of remembrance as well as an exploration of teen grief and healing, recounting the life and death of the author’s sixteen-year-old daughter, as told through her parents’ and friends’ recollections, thoughts, feelings, and memories. For YA and adults.

Audiobook Edition

Description

On the evening of September 24, 2004, sixteen-year-old Alicia María Betancourt was killed in a car accident. Popular, happy, fun-loving Alicia-daughter, sister, and friend to so many-gone in an instant. How would those left behind cope with such a sudden, devastating loss?

Wrestling with grief, anger, mortality, and spirituality, Alicia’s loved ones struggle to create a lasting place in their hearts for someone who is no longer a physical presence. They share joyful and painful memories, and discover the resilient power of enduring friendship and love. In time, each person finds a way to heal while keeping Alicia’s vibrant spirit alive for those who knew her, and those who never will.

Alicia Afterimage is a remarkable story of loss and recovery, but mostly it is a story of love. In this moving tribute to an extraordinary girl, readers will find a pathway through grief and a road map to remembrance. It is a book of comfort for all-teens and adults-who seek a way to ease the pain of losing someone they cherished.

This is Lulu Delacre’s first novel.

About the Creators

Lulu Delacre

Lulu Delacre, three-time Pura Belpré Award honoree and winner of an Orbis Pictus Honor, is the illustrator of numerous award-winning books, several of which she also wrote or compiled. Her books include fiction and nonfiction and range from picture books to young adult titles. Delacre was born and grew up in Puerto Rico, where she loved to draw pictures, enjoy nature, and partake of the culture and traditions of her native island. Her experiences there are the inspiration for many of her works. Delacre and her husband live in Washington, DC. luludelacre.com.

Awards

  • Best Children's Books of the Year

    Bank Street College of Education

  • Editors' Choice

    Booklist

Reviews

  • "With its messages about healing and a list of appended resources, this is an excellent title for grief counseling."

    - Booklist
  • "Memorable and distinctive."

    - The Horn Book
  • "Delacre says she hopes to bring comfort to teens struggling with their own sudden losses. . . . Bereaved readers will be encouraged that whatever their approaches, all of the individuals (including the driver responsible for the crash) eventually begin to feel better without forgetting their friend."

    - Publishers Weekly
  • "Resources on teen grief and teen-driver safety, as well as a photo of Alicia, are appended. . . . Good bibliotherapy for those who have suffered a loss."

    - School Library Journal

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620145784
  • Price $18.95
  • Publication Date Sep 15, 2017
  • Trim Size 9.125 × 6.25 in
  • Weight 0.5 lbs
  • Page Count 144
  • Word Count 27526
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Young Adult
  • BISAC Category 1 YAN / Social Topics / Death, Grief, Bereavement
  • BISAC Category 2 YAN / Social Topics / Friendship
  • BISAC Category 3 YAN / Social Topics / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • Themes Childhood Experiences and Memories, Coping with Death, Dreams & Aspirations, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fathers, Friendship, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Middle Grade, Mothers, Nonfiction, Responsibility, Siblings, YA interest
  • Languages English
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 12 - 18
  • Grade Range Grades 7 - 12
  • Guided Reading Z
  • ATOS Book Level 4.8
  • DRA 60
  • Interest Level Grades 6 - 12
  • Lexile Code NC
  • Lexile Level 700
  • Lexile Measurement NC700L
  • Reading Level Grades 6 - 7
  • SRC 5.3
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections: