For fans ofYou’ve Reached SamandIf I Stay, a hauntingly beautiful, ultimately hopeful novel-in-verse about a girl in between life and death, by National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride.

Gospel is the Keeper of the Leaving Rooma place all young people must phase through when they die. The young are never ready to leave; they need a moment to remember and a Keeper to help their wispy souls along.

When a random door opens and a Keeper named Melodee arrives, their souls become entangled. Gospel’s seriousness melts and Melodees fear of connection fades, but stillare Keepers allowed to fall in love? Now they must find a way out of the Leaving Room and be unafraid of their love. In a novel that takes place over four minutes, National Book Award finalist Amber McBride explores connection, memory, and hope in ways that are unforgettable and poignant.

Amber McBrideestimates she reads about 100 books a year. Her work has been published in literary magazines includingPloughsharesandProvincetown Arts. Her debut young adult novel,Me (Moth)was a finalist for the National Book Award, and won the 2022 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent, among many other accolades. She is a professor of creative writing at University of Virginia, and lives in Charlottesville, Virgina.

• Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
• Publish Date: October 14, 2025
• Pages: 224
• Language: English
• TypeBook: Hardcover
• EAN/UPC: 9781250908087
• Dimensions: 209.6 X 136.5 X 0.8 mm | 0.7 pounds