THE BOY IN THE BLACK SUIT by Jason Reynolds.  Atheneum Books for Young Readers: New York. 2015. 255p. ISBN 978-14424-59502 $17.99   Gr. 9-12   Y.A. FIC

Matt begins his senior year in school reeling from the recent death of his mother.  He can't seem to forget the images of his mother's funeral, but needs to get back to the reality of school and work.  He ends up working for the funeral home and, drawn to the grieving families, begins to sit in on the funerals held there.  It's like therapy, so he puts on his black suit each day to blend in with the mourners.  While Matt is trying to get himself together, his father starts to hit the bottle as he grieves his wife's death and ends up in the hospital.  Matt is without parental guidance at this point, but relies on his best friend, Chris, and his new friend and romantic interest, Lovey, who just lost her grandmother and primary caregiver.  The two lost souls connect on several levels, including a secret they share without knowing it.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI