Page to Post: The Leaving by Tara Altebrando

In the Page to Post series, the Teen Book Guild spotlights the books that caught our attention after scoping out an entire shelf of titles in the Winter Park Library. From that first spark of interest to how we really felt after reading, you’ll get our honest take—no sugarcoating, just real talk from teens who love books (or sometimes don’t!).

If you’re looking for your next great read or just want to see if our choice was worth it, stick around. Let’s dive into the world of stories, one shelf and one book at a time.

Title: The Leaving
Author: Tara Altebrando
Chosen by: Andres J.

If I had to pick a genre for this book:

Mystery

Why I picked it:

Because the phrase on the cover (Six Were Taken, Five Came Back) really caught my attention 

Brief synopsis (no spoilers!):

Six little kids (Scarlett, Lucas, Sarah, Adam, Kristen and max) disappeared in a small town in Florida. They returned 11 years later but 1 of them (Max) mysteriously didn't. The weird thing is that they don’t remember anything. it looks like they would have been asleep all those years. Their families seek answers but they only get more questions. Every kid gives his non-specific perspective since they only remember short periods of images like quick flashes.

Swoon Factor:

2 - "Slight Spark" - There’s a hint of something, maybe a crush or a shy glance. The romance is subtle and might be more about potential than actual sparks.

Rating my choice:

4 - "I’m Hooked!"

You can’t put it down. The book is exciting, emotional, or meaningful, and you’re fully invested in what happens next.

My take on this book:

I really liked it I always have liked mystery books and this one isn’t the exception It really gives you the tense of getting an answer and when you hope so you get more questions it gives frustration but I really liked it.