When Shadows Fall

Kai’s family has fallen apart after the death of his infant sister. His relationship with his dad has disintegrated, and he’s lost the strong bond he once had with his friendship group. He’s spiraling into drugs and delinquency and in danger of being lost forever in the dark shadows.

Presented as a mix of prose and verse, the story is told from different points of view. Kai’s inner voice is lyrical, and the writing is almost dreamlike. He is tormented over the loss of his sister and profoundly sad about his parents’ fractured relationship. Smokey, grey illustrations in and around the text add context and atmosphere. They reflect the shadows and despair that threaten to derail Kai’s life. White text on black pages signals the deepest anguish. Kai’s friends’ perspectives show how much they want to help Kai and pull him back from the edge. A very positive part of the story is how these young people find their voices through creativity, Kai through writing, and Om through painting. The friends also have a love of the natural world and their immediate environment. It strengthens their connection and helps Kai to heal. 

The powerful message at the heart of the story highlights the importance of friends when family cannot help. It’s a poignant reminder of how horribly tough life can be, but there may be a way to keep going.