History Is All You Left Me

Gr 10 Up—Seventeen-year-old Griffin feels "broken beyond repair" as he grieves the death of Theo, his first love. The story jumps back and forth in time between Griffin's recollections of important moments in his romantic relationship with Theo ("history") and Griffin's grief and increasingly destructive behavior ("today"). Oddly enough, Griffin finds comfort in Theo's new boyfriend, Jackson, who appears to be the only person who can truly understand. Silvera weaves an intricate tale of friendship, romantic entanglements, and parental love. He realistically and beautifully explores themes of love, death, heartbreak, heartache, grief, betrayal, compulsive behavior, and healing. Narrator Tom Picasso's voice is perfectly matched for the tone of the story. He skillfully conveys youthful vulnerability and maturity, and his vocal characterizations fit both the heartbroken teen Griffin and his supportive parents.