• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Tara's sister died a year ago, on the day that Tara didn't answer her phone when Hannah called.

And Hannah stepped in front of a bus. Now Tara lives with the guilt of wondering if things would be different if she had been there when Hannah needed her most. Competing in slam poetry competitions is the only way Tara can keep her sister's memory alive and deal with all the unanswered questions. But at some point, Tara is going to have to let Hannah rest in peace, and she will need to find a way to move on.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

Nikki Tate was born in Birmingham, England, but spent her childhood roaming the globe. She is the author of nearly 20 books for young readers, many of which are about horses. Nikki has always enjoyed both writing and telling stories, as well as camping, kayaking and horseback riding. She currently hosts a book club called "Teens, Titles and Tate" on CBC Radio's All Points West. Nikki lives with her family (and her collection of goats, ponies, dogs, cats and assorted feathered friends) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Visit Nikki's website www.nikkitate.com for more information.

Nikki Tate's profile page

• Commended, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"Tate captures Tara's grief and guilt about her sister's suicide...The lengthy passages of slam poetry make this novel an intriguing read. The novel will appeal particularly to those readers who have experienced grief because of a death in their family."

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"A novel that uses the beauty of poetry to tell a sad but familiar story...A well-organized, clearly written book that will [be] relat[able] to young adult readers...Recommended."

Tri State YA Book Review Committee

"Detailed descriptions of the competitive slam poetry world are vivid and engaging."

The Horn Book Guide

"An excellent addition to a hi-lo collection because readers will find the subject matter realistic and gripping."

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group

"Tate makes this book entertaining and accessible for its intended reader. It's short and punchy and has a compelling protagonist. Tara is easy to relate to and sympathize with, and she is written in a believable way...Fallout has something of value to offer to most teen readers. Tate does an admirable job of dealing with the topic of childhood suicide and its devastating effects on family members. It is refreshing that this is not at all a story about a depressed teenager, but the story of a survivor. It deals very well with the subject of guilt and also with the emotional turmoil which suicide creates...Both the poetry and the poetry scene provide a lively and effective story which readers will enjoy. Recommended."

CM Magazine