From the Bookshelf of Tyler Public Library…

[close] It's a horrible irony that I finished this book on the day of the devastating Parkland, FL school shooting. Navin's debut perfectly captures the voice of 6 year old, Zach Taylor, a survivor of a violent attack on his elementary school. The ability to portray a young child's voice honestly is, in my opinion, a difficult task. Portraying the myriad of emotions and avalanche of grief without being overly sentimental is perhaps even more difficult. Navin succeeds admirably in her depiction of a family in great distress following the aftermath of gun violence. Only Child pulled me into the novel from the opening sentence and sent me spiraling down the drain with the Taylor family.
Highly recommended.