To the Moon and Back

by Kathi Kotchi

Fourteen-year-old Jessica Maxwell lives alone with her alcoholic mother after her baby sister, older brother and father died years ago. John Garrett is the lone survivor of a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of his wife and toddler daughter months ago. John is Jessica’s ninth grade teacher and one day, early in the school year, noticing her declining grades, he reaches out as a mentor. After initially declining she eventually accepts, and soon finds his house is the only place she finds security and peace. After several months, John calls social service, concerned over Jessie’s mother’s obvious neglect. Jessica’s home situation improves, but then the unthinkable happens and John pursues custody of Jessie. But will he get it?
This is a powerful and moving story of living with grief and neglect, of survival, of acceptance, of the power of friendship and love between two very different people.

488 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2023

Reviews

[Alice Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Moon and Back

I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the strength in Jess. I was moved to tears for Jess, but also tears of joy for her and John. I only hoped for what they both needed, and found it in each other. I chose to buy this book on a recommendation from my sister in law. I'm so glad I did. A story filled with love, hope, strength and faith. Life isn't always easy or fair, but when one person reaches out, don't be afraid to trust. Jess showed me the power of love, can change your life in many ways.

[Florence Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the tale of an abused teen and the teacher that becomes her mentor. In a world of tragedy, it's so nice to see a story that highlights the innocence of a relationship and how two people can help each other, despite being very different.

Jessie is a teenaged girl who has suffered the loss of loved ones and years of neglect. When her math teacher, John-a man with his own trauma-notices that she hasn't been doing as well in school, they begin a very innocent friendship. What begins as a heartwarming relationship between teacher and student, ends up being a welcoming story of building family.

There were so many twists and turns in this book! The pace was fast and there were new surprises in every chapter. The characters were both incredibly likable and pure. It was refreshing to read a story where people show their good sides even in the face of incredible loss.

This story is for anyone who loves a fast paced tale with a hefty dose of character development. I loved every page!

[Michael Yanucil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Enjoyed it from beginning to the end and was hard to put down. Kathi did an excellent job with this and I look forward to reading her next book.