While He Was Away

Long distance relationships will often make or break a couple. Even the strongest of couples can be shaken by separation. And when one of them heads to off war, nothing is certain.

A fresh new story by a rising voice in young adult contemporary fiction that School Library Journal has called "sincere and thoughtful," While He Was Away gives readers an understanding of the difficulties of love and war for both soldiers and those waiting for them at home.

All she wants is for him to stay. She's been doing pretty well, pretending he doesn't have to go. But one day, after one last night to remember, she wakes up and there's no denying it anymore. He's gone.

When Penna Weaver's boyfriend goes off to Iraq, she's left facing life without him. As summer sets in, Penna tries to distract herself with work and her art, but the not knowing is slowly driving her crazy. Especially when David stops writing.

She knows in her heart he will come home. But will he be the same boy she fell in love with?

Karen Halvorsen Schreck's poignant and honest novel will have readers wondering if absence truly does make the heart grow fonder, or will it lead to ultimate heartbreak?