I didn't think I could love another character more than Tobias but here we are.

I think Marco is an incredible realistic look at childhood grief. The way that he copes with his trauma through humor is I think something a lot of kids can relate to. And while most of the time, Marco is masking his grief with humor, when he needs to be emotional the book allows these scenes to happen. There isn't pressure for Marco to tough it out or present everything is okay. And his friend is there for him in the way that he needs. Jake asking Marco what he needs from him and then giving them the space he desires while also letting him know that he will be there for him. I don't know but there is something genuine happening here.

As well, we are continuing to discuss the brutality of war. Applegate continues to not censor anything here. Don't you love listening to the thoughts of children as they are brutally ripped apart limb from limb, begging for their lives as they lose all sense of their self and conform to an animal like instinct to kill, knowing that death is upon them? Me too.

I really relate to Marco and I am really looking forward to his other books.