The Stepping Off Place

by Cameron Kelly Rosenblum

I watched a Zoom interview with this Maine author through the Lewiston Public Library before I read the book, and I was intrigued. Ms. Rosenblum said that she used much of what she knows from her own life, such as writing a character who has autism (Reid’s brother Spencer) based on her knowledge due to her own son’s autism.

Reid and Hattie are the best of friends. During the summer between junior and senior year, Hattie’s family goes to their Maine island home as usual, and Reid is able to visit her there for two weeks, just like always. But after Reid goes home, something happens, and she gets the horrible news that Hattie has died only a few days before her expected return and the start of school. Struck with grief, Reid wonders how she’ll get through senior year after losing her best friend. Teens should be learning about life, going to parties, and stressing over homework.

Reid and her classmates try to navigate the end of summer and the starting of school without Hattie, the life of the party. Reid and a few close friends work out their own private memorial service, where they are able to memorialize and share with each other the special bonds they had with Hattie, and find their individual peace.

I found this story heartbreaking, but enjoyed seeing the teenage friends in the ‘before’ moments, just being kids, and in the ‘after’ moments helping each other through their grief. Being someone who likes to work with teens, I truly appreciated that Cameron Kelly Rosenblum included some resources at the end of the book, including The Yellow Tulip Project, based in Maine (theyellowtulipproject.org).

Trigger warning: Be aware that this story focuses on issues around mental illness and suicide. I do not see this as a reason to avoid reading this book; I simply want to assure you go in knowing it is a part of the story.