Short Synopsis
Tara Altebrando's The Leaving revolves around the mystery of what happened to six kindergartners who vanished without a trace eleven years ago. This unforgettable novel—with its rich characters, high stakes, and plot twists—will leave listeners breathless.

Full Synopsis
Eleven years ago, six kindergartners went missing without a trace. After all that time, the people left behind moved on, or tried to.

Until today. Today five of those kids return. They're sixteen, and they are . . . fine. Scarlett comes home and finds a mom she barely recognizes, and doesn't really recognize the person she's supposed to be, either. But she thinks she remembers Lucas. Lucas remembers Scarlett, too, except they're entirely unable to recall where they've been or what happened to them. Neither of them remember the sixth victim, Max—the only one who hasn't come back. Which leaves Max's sister, Avery, wanting answers. She wants to find her brother—dead or alive—and isn't buying this whole memory-loss story. But as details of the disappearance begin to unfold, no one is prepared for the truth.

This unforgettable novel—with its rich characters, high stakes, and plot twists—will leave listeners breathless.

"This is no mere thriller; folded into this compulsively readable work are thought-provoking themes. . . . Teens who enjoy engrossing, contemplative titles such as Adam Silvera’s More Happy Than Not will devour this insightful musing on memory and identity." ---School Library Journal Starred Review

"A twisting, harrowing story . . . Engrossing, both as a thriller and a meditation on memory-its limits, its loss, and the ways it deceives and constructs identity." ---Publishers Weekly Starred Review

School Library Journal Review

Publishers Weekly Review