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For our final book of the month, in 2020, we will be reading Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson.

Could this publication give Jacqueline Woodson another Newbery accolade?

BEFORE THE EVER AFTER by Jacqueline Woodson provides a description of the damage done by multiple concussions to football players. Seen through the eyes of his son, the headaches, the loss of memories and the confusion are heart-rending. Friends, family and music provide some solace. Despite the sad outcomes, players continue to be interested in a career in the sport.

I was given this ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jacqueline Woodson has done it again. She crafted this incredibly poignant story chronicling a family’s struggles when the professional football player father suffers from traumatic brain injuries. This book offers so many rich opportunities for discussion and writing. I’d loved to be in the room when a group of tween football fans talk about this book. Definitely Newbery worthy.

I was surprised that he NYT Best Books ( ) listed BEFORE THE EVER AFTER as a Young Adult title. I didn’t read anything in the book that made it inappropriate for younger readers.

Kate wrote: "I was surprised that he NYT Best Books ( ) listed BEFORE THE EVER AFTER as a Young Adult title. I didn’t read anything in the boo..."

It is the publisher who decides which category a book belongs. Bookstores, libraries, the media etc. usually follow that designation.

I enjoyed this book. I enjoy all of Woodson's books, but not all of them appeal to actual children. I have a feeling this is one of the ones that will appeal to adults and teachers more than actual 14 and unders.

I liked this book. If I had not chosen another book to read to my class, I would have chosen this one. I think my 11 and 12 year olds need to know what football is doing to their bodies. I live in Texas. Ever seen Friday Night Lights? It really is like that in Texas. I don’t get it.

Written in lyrical verse, this story feels so real you can almost imagine the lives of many children like ZJ, who experience the repercussions of a parent's hard won career as a football star, and all of the baggage that accompanies it. The way ZJ handles his father's career, and finds his own passion with the support of his father is heartbreakingly beautiful. That said, I love her book Brown Girl Dreaming so much more. She shared her family's history with so much passion in that one.

I enjoyed the verse- Woodson is a master in that area. I also appreciated her topic- I hope this will have wide appeal as we need kids and adults to realize the dark side of contact sports.