Drawing the Ocean »

Carolyn MacCullough's first book, Falling Through Darkness, praised as "a promising debut" by The Horn Book, was a New York Public Library Best Book for the Teen Age. In its starred review of Stealing Henry, Booklist noted the "flawless" dialogue. She lives in New York City.

A gifted painter, Sadie comes from California to Connecticut determined to fit in at her new school. Yet her first attempt at making friends in the new town backfires when she reaches out to the loner everyone calls Fryin' Ryan, the very last person who can help her achieve her dream. And to further complicate matters, her twin brother, Ollie, keeps appearing to her, seeming to want something. Her twin brother, who died when they were twelve.

Children's Literature

Moving from the west to the east coast, Sadie is trying to fit in at her new high school without her twin brother, Ollie, who died tragically when he was twelve years old. She becomes friends with Lila, who shows her around the high school campus and the popular crowd. Sadie is confronted with new friend relationships along with the group's parties involving beer and pot. Away from the group, Sadie's encounters with Ryan, the outcast, have her reflecting about friendships. Furthermore, she must face and understand her own fears and guilt in regard to Ollie's demise. The impact of the one twin's death, which was four years ago, continues to take a heavy toll on the family members. Sadie and her parents each try to cope with the loss and they each show different signs of its effects. Sadie has conversations with Ollie, whose life-like image appears before her at various times and places. The story deals with transitions and the change of friendships, family, and relationships.