The Sin Eater

by Gary D. Schmidt

First published 1996

Cole arrives at his grandparents' ancient farm carrying the weight of his mother's death. The old property becomes his refuge as he settles into rural rhythms and forms new friendships. Day by day, Cole discovers that the familiar routines of farm life and the warmth of his grandparents help lift the heavy sadness he has carried. But while Cole begins to heal, his father sinks deeper into his own mourning. Cole watches his father withdraw further from the world, unable to find the same comfort that the farm has given his son. The boy must navigate his own recovery while witnessing his father's continued struggle with loss.

Genres: fiction, grief, contemporary, family-drama

Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking

Tropes: found-family, grief

Setting: Farm

Period: Contemporary

192 pages · Hardcover · Dutton Juvenile

Content warnings: mental-illness

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