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The Order of Things

Written by: Kaija Langley
Narrated by: Karen Murray
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Publisher's Summary

A heart-rending novel-in-verse about a girl beginning to learn it is possible to go on even after a great loss.

Eleven-year-old April Jackson loves playing the drums, almost as much as she loves her best friend, Zee, a violin prodigy. They both dream of becoming professional musicians one day. When Zee starts attending a new school that will nurture his talent, April decides it’s time for her to pursue her dreams, too, and finally take drum lessons. She knows she isn’t very good to start, but with Zee’s support, she also knows someday she can be just as good as her hero, Sheila E., and travel all around the world with a pair of drumsticks in her hand.

When the unthinkable happens and Zee suddenly passes away, April is crushed by grief. Without Zee, nothing is the way it’s supposed to be. Zee's Dad isn't delivering the mail for his postal route like he should. April's Mom is suddenly dating someone new who is occupying too much space in their lives. And every time April tries to play the drums, all she can think about is Zee.

April isn't sure how to move on from the awful feeling of being without Zee. Desperate to help Papa Zee, she decides to secretly deliver the mail he’s been neglecting. But when on her route she discovers a classmate in trouble, she doesn’t second guess what she knows is the right thing to do.

©2023 Kaija Langley (P)2023 Listening Library

Critic Reviews

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“A lyrical and emotionally powerful novel-in-verse…it’s an uplifting tale of grief, courage, and community.” —The Boston Globe

“This well-crafted novel in verse is rich in detail . . . The characters are fully realized, and the themes of family, change, and grief are handled with sensitivity and care. A heart-rending narrative of friendship, family, and the path to healing.” —Kirkus, starred review

“Langley explores communal grieving and found family in this middle grade debut, a layered novel in verse. . . Declarative lines paint a spare picture of interpersonal bonds and grief, while . . . resilience and desire to uplift loved ones guide a narrative that’s invested in themes of loss, ethics, and empathy.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

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