The Space Between Before and After

by Sue Stauffacher

Written by a popular middle-grade author, this heartfelt and important treatment of anxiety and depression centers on a ten-year-old boy who begins to handle his grief after his mother disappears by creating a fantasy narrative of where shes gone, with the help of a kindly neighbor who survived separation from her father during World War II.

Genres: Middle Grade, Mental Health, Family, Audiobook, Realistic Fiction, Grief, Friendship

Audio CD

First published March 19, 2019

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fifth grader Thomas Moran has watched as his mother remains mired in depression in their Michigan home. After having a brief conversation with her one cold December morning, he is hopeful that maybe things will be better. But she's gone when Thomas comes home from school, leaving her family bereft. At first Thomas is sure that the police will find her or she will turn up. But time passes, and that isn't what happens. Thomas and an elderly neighbor form a bond over their shared affection for his mother, and the woman, Mrs. Sharp, helps Thomas write a fantasy story in which his mother finds peace while coming to the aid of three different animals. Although the mystery of his mother's whereabouts is never solved, which is often the case in real life, Thomas finds comfort in the story, and eventually so do his father and his aunt. It's clear that his mother simply could not find her way out of her depression, but that her survivors must find the will to go on, keeping her alive in her hearts. The slices of school life that are described here as Thomas copes with his loss are very real as are the characters presented here. Clearly, there are no easy answers or explanations when something like this happens, and each individual must mourn in his/her own way. This book may bring comfort to young readers dealing with their own losses while offering hope that there will be moments of happiness ahead. Thomas's quirky, exuberant neighbor, Giselle, and her mother provide a breath of fresh air amid all the sorrow.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok- this one made me cry- I don't do "dead mother" stories very well, but I enjoyed this. The butterfly Dave, the neighbor across the street, and Mr Watson were all great supportive characters. The Dad- ugh!!!! Really!!! It may not win a Newbery, but I am sure it will end up on a Caudill list.

[Inês · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trouxe este livro comigo um pouco às cegas, sem nunca ter visto alguém a falar sobre ele, nem saber ao certo do que se tratava. Mas a pergunta que se destacava na capa deixou-me intrigada: “como é que uma história pode começar com um adeus?”.

O livro responde à pergunta quase de imediato, apresentando-nos Thomas, um rapaz de 11 anos sensível e reservado que é apanhado de surpresa quando descobre que a sua mãe (que sofre de depressão) desapareceu. O desaparecimento da mãe é a peça central de toda a narrativa, onde Thomas orbita juntamente com os seus familiares e onde cada um, à sua maneira, debate-se entre a forma como processam este acontecimento e a aceitação de que nem toda a gente irá sofrer com este desaparecimento da mesma maneira.

Este é um livro extremamente melancólico que fala sobre depressão, sofrimento, ausência e luto, mas nota-se um claro esforço de Sue Stauffacher para adaptar toda a narrativa para que seja acessível e reconfortante para jovens. Não diria que é uma leitura simpática para crianças, mas nos meandros da adolescência pode trazer algum conforto e informação para quem se esteja a debater com estas emoções – ou conheça alguém próximo que as sinta e não saiba o que fazer.

Embora a leitura seja acessível e reconfortante em muitos momentos da história, devo confessar que não é um livro extraordinário. A narrativa deriva muito para a forma como Thomas tenta processar o desaparecimento da mãe – e que, para não perder o efeito surpresa, não vou entrar em detalhes – mas tudo o que envolve realismo mágico acaba por me perder um pouco porque não é o meu género preferido. Ainda assim, acho louvável que se escreva, sem medos, um livro como este, com um desfecho como este e sem cair na vontade irresistível de adicionar um arco-íris no final.

Não posso dizer que é uma leitura inesquecível, mas achei que histórias como esta são um ponto de partida importante para que se fale mais abertamente sobre estes temas (e mais do ponto de vista dos familiares de alguém que sofre de depressão, que tantas vezes se sentem impotentes, desamparados, carentes e indesejados). Talvez não me lembre mais da história daqui a alguns anos, mas nunca esquecerei Thomas nem a sua mãe.

[Sandra Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tween
from Amazon "One morning, ten-year-old Thomas's mother tells him about a dream she had about taking a trip by herself. That seems strange, because lately, his mother has been too depressed to even leave the house. Maybe it's a good sign. But when Thomas gets home from school, she's gone. The police search everywhere, and although they find her car, they can't find her. Without any clear answers, Thomas will have to find his own. With the help of his friends-- and a shared story they create to explain what has happened, a fantasy involving a perilous quest only his mother can complete-- Thomas finds a way to work through his anxiety and grief, reach out to his father, and recognize that even if his mother never comes back, he can still hold a place for her in his heart and mind.
This heartbreaking, beautiful novel about loss and grief explores the ways in which young people must face unimaginable tragedies-- and how imagination and compassion can bring some light to the days after.

When Thomas's Mom disappears, his father doesn't want to talk about it, so he has to go behind the father's back to create a "reality" that can help Thomas mourn and remember.

[MissMayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so moved by this book. This book delves into the medical condition of depression and coping with loss. A parent suffering from depression goes missing causing heartache and distress with the family, especially for the young boy Thomas. "A story that starts with goodbye" has a secondary story woven within the primary plot authored by Thomas and neighbor Mrs. Sharp. The magical story helps the boy with his feelings amongst all the pain he is feeling. I recommend this being a shared read with a parent or close loved one, to be able to share with their upper elementary school/middle school age reader. There are big feelings shared in this book and presented in a real way. I think the author was very brave and talented to share this story!
PS if you can listen to the audiobook, the reader does voices for each character and goes in and out of the story/reality in a creative way.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depression is a serious illness that can impact more than the person who has it. Ten-year-old Thomas's mother was dealing with deep depression when she disappeared one winter's day. Thomas hopes, then imagines, then gradually must come to an acceptance that she's gone. Each member of the family copes in a different way. An older neighbor gives Thomas a measure of control by teaching him to write his own story of what happened--a fanciful tale in which he gets to make decisions. Gradually, over time, a new normal is achieved, but the hole will always remain. This is a thoughtful, pensive book that addresses an issue that is largely ignored in children's literature.

[M.T. Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this gem in my neighborhood Little Library that has become my main source of reading materials during the pandemic. I love this children's novel about a boy whose mother disappears (spoiler: it looks to be a suicide in which the body is never found). The way he, and ultimately his father and aunt, learn to navigate the world of grieving has many lessons embedding within that can help people of all ages cope with unexpected loss. This is a lovely story that deals with a heartbreaking situation, but it left me hopeful that the characters would go on to a good life.

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book held my attention at first, but then the story that Thomas and Mrs. Sharp are creating got in the way. I understand that the story was a huge part of his grieving process but I just couldn't get into it. Maybe it was partly the astral plane thing? It was insightful to see how the grief of Thomas, his father, and his aunt all affected each other.

[Ashley Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

As sad as this sorry was, the trauma of losing a parent is all to real for many kids today. I loved reading about Thomas’ experience of dealing with the sadness of his others disappearance. At times I just felt there was too much going on for a child to follow the plot line and not get confused at times.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be prepared to be forever hold this book in your heart. Depression, loss, love of a mother, friendships, grief and learning to cope. This book makes an excellent discussion choice for young people. The characters are well developed and add a piece to the puzzle of family and friends.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all those children dealing with loss, this story may help them. I found it beautiful.

[Heather Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kyle Pucciarello · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was different than I thought, but it is a wonderful book dealing with a mother's mental illness and a boy and his family healing. I would recommend this book.

[Luisa Nims · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is worth your time.

[Ann]

Top 10 Middle-Grade Novels of Mythic Proportions 2020 (Booklist)

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with these characters! I wish there was a sequel! Imaginative, thoughtful, wise, loving, believable, healing.

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Thomas mother mysteriously vanishes, Thomas finds help in coping with the neighbor next door and his friend Giselle.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept was better than the story

[Kelci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, heartbreaking, and overwhelmingly emotional at points. So well written and such an important story. This one will stay with me for a long time ❤️

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so powerful. For anyone who has experienced loss, this is an emotional read. I cried throughout the book and found it very impactful.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. I am a stranger to depression. This book has given me a closer look. The story within the story that has the potential to heal was a novel idea that I want to hang onto.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Space Between Before and After by Sue Stauffacher was a wonderful read-aloud experience with my children, offering us a touching and thoughtful journey through loss, healing, and the complexities of family relationships. The story follows Thomas, a young boy struggling with his mother’s absence, and his connection to his grandmother, whose strength and warmth play a central role in the story.

One of the things that made this book a great choice for reading aloud was the way it sparked meaningful conversations with my children. The story touches on heavy themes—grief, change, and the ways we cope—but in a way that felt accessible and heartfelt for young readers. Stauffacher balances the emotional weight with moments of humor and hope, making it an engaging read for all of us.

The characters are deeply relatable, especially Thomas, whose emotions and internal struggles were something we could all connect with. My children and I appreciated how the book showed the importance of family, resilience, and understanding that healing takes time. The magical realism woven into the story added a unique layer that captured their imaginations and kept them engaged.

Overall, The Space Between Before and After is a beautifully written and compassionate novel, perfect for reading together as a family. It opened the door to important discussions and left us with a message of hope and love. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a meaningful, family-centered read-aloud.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because intergenerational friendship. But, do we really need another dead mother? I just hope it wasn't cancer or a car accident this time....
---
Ok, it wasn't. And the book is stunning in a lot of ways. Intense, but not overwhelming. Lots of characters so lots to keep one interested despite the depressing premise.

I only give it three stars because I think the fanciful and the logical don't have to be so oppositional. Yes, the dad was annoying until his turnaround. (Why did he go to group counseling but not get his son any help?! But the therapy the neighbor models would not work at all for me, either. Something in between would be more believable. *But* that's me. Different people process grief differently.

(I gotta say, though, I didn't know that there was a job called freelance copy editor. It would've been perfect for me. Dang.)