The Girl Death Left Behind

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Readers will be touched and inspired by this latest novel from bestselling author Lurlene McDaniel:

Beth's world has been torn apart.  She cannot figure out how to go on when a car accident claims the lives of her entire family, and she is the only survivor.  Things seem to get even worse when she moves in with her aunt and her spoiled cousin, Terri.  But with the love and support of her aunt and some unexpected friends, Beth struggles to overcome the despair that threatens to consume her.  Will she be able to move past the painful memories without feeling guilty for being a survivor?
© Meghan Green and Jon Lancaster
Lurlene McDaniel began writing inspirational novels about teenagers facing life-altering situations when her son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. “I want kids to know that while people don’t get to choose what life gives to them, they do get to choose how they respond,” she has said. Her novels are hard-hitting and realistic, but also leave readers with inspiration and hope. McDaniel’s bestselling books have received acclaim from readers, teachers, parents, and reviewers. They include The Year of Luminous Love and its companion, The Year of Chasing Dreams; Don’t Die, My Love; Till Death Do Us Part; and many more. Lurlene McDaniel lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Visit her online at LurleneMcDaniel.com and on Facebook and follow her on Twitter at @Lurlene_McD. View titles by Lurlene McDaniel
Beth held her aunt's hand, and Faye went with them. The walk down the hall seemed endless. Once they were inside the small cubicle, Dr. Higdon said, "Please sit down."

"I don't want to sit," Beth said. She was angry at the doctor who'd kept her waiting so long.

"How are my sister and brother-in-law?" her aunt asked. "And their two children. Beth said they were in the accident too."

"Yes," the doctor said. "An ambulance brought in all four of them."

"I--I stayed home," Beth explained, although no one had asked her why she hadn't been in the van. "I had the flu."

"According to the police," the doctor said, "the van swerved from road and careened down a hill, rolled over, and smashed into a tree. The impact was severe. The Jaws of Life had to be used to open the car and extract the passengers."

Beth shuddered. "B-But they're all right, aren't they? You fixed them up, didn't you?"
  • WINNER | 2000
    ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
Six of Lurlene McDaniel's novels have been Publishers Weekly bestsellers, including Angels Watching Over Me and Lifted Up By Angels.

Praise for The Girl Death Left Behind:

"Readers familiar with McDaniel's writing will be satisfied with the heart-tugging plot."
-- School Library Journal

About

Readers will be touched and inspired by this latest novel from bestselling author Lurlene McDaniel:

Beth's world has been torn apart.  She cannot figure out how to go on when a car accident claims the lives of her entire family, and she is the only survivor.  Things seem to get even worse when she moves in with her aunt and her spoiled cousin, Terri.  But with the love and support of her aunt and some unexpected friends, Beth struggles to overcome the despair that threatens to consume her.  Will she be able to move past the painful memories without feeling guilty for being a survivor?

Author

© Meghan Green and Jon Lancaster
Lurlene McDaniel began writing inspirational novels about teenagers facing life-altering situations when her son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. “I want kids to know that while people don’t get to choose what life gives to them, they do get to choose how they respond,” she has said. Her novels are hard-hitting and realistic, but also leave readers with inspiration and hope. McDaniel’s bestselling books have received acclaim from readers, teachers, parents, and reviewers. They include The Year of Luminous Love and its companion, The Year of Chasing Dreams; Don’t Die, My Love; Till Death Do Us Part; and many more. Lurlene McDaniel lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Visit her online at LurleneMcDaniel.com and on Facebook and follow her on Twitter at @Lurlene_McD. View titles by Lurlene McDaniel

Excerpt

Beth held her aunt's hand, and Faye went with them. The walk down the hall seemed endless. Once they were inside the small cubicle, Dr. Higdon said, "Please sit down."

"I don't want to sit," Beth said. She was angry at the doctor who'd kept her waiting so long.

"How are my sister and brother-in-law?" her aunt asked. "And their two children. Beth said they were in the accident too."

"Yes," the doctor said. "An ambulance brought in all four of them."

"I--I stayed home," Beth explained, although no one had asked her why she hadn't been in the van. "I had the flu."

"According to the police," the doctor said, "the van swerved from road and careened down a hill, rolled over, and smashed into a tree. The impact was severe. The Jaws of Life had to be used to open the car and extract the passengers."

Beth shuddered. "B-But they're all right, aren't they? You fixed them up, didn't you?"

Awards

  • WINNER | 2000
    ALA Quick Pick for Young Adult Reluctant Readers

Praise

Six of Lurlene McDaniel's novels have been Publishers Weekly bestsellers, including Angels Watching Over Me and Lifted Up By Angels.

Praise for The Girl Death Left Behind:

"Readers familiar with McDaniel's writing will be satisfied with the heart-tugging plot."
-- School Library Journal

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