3. Caitlin Smith
Caitlin is 11 years old and has
Asperger’s Syndrome. She loves to
draw. Her older brother Devon dies in
a tragic school shooting. Throughout
the novel she is trying to find closure.

4. Harry Smith
Trying to find closure along with
Caitlin. He tries to help Caitlin with
Asperger’s.

5. Mrs. Brook
The school counselor trying to help
Caitlin with being more social and
understanding with people’s feelings.

6. Michael Schneider
Caitlin’s first friend who is also trying
to find closure since his mother was
a victim in the shooting along with
Devon.

7. Josh
His cousin killed Caitlin’s brother
Devon in the shooting. Caitlin views
Josh as evil. He is rude to other kids
but doesn’t want to be judged just by
his mean cousin.

9. A few words…
Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as
Asperger disorder (AD), is an autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) that is
characterized by significant difficulties in
social interaction and nonverbal
communication, alongside restricted and
repetitive patterns or behavior and
interests.

11. Virginia
This story takes place in Virginia
where Caitlin’s brother Devon gets
shot and killed in a shooting at
Virginia Dare Middle School.

13. Asperger’s Syndrome
Caitlin’s struggle with Asperger’s
Syndrome is the main conflict that lasts
throughout this novel. She has a hard
time understanding other peoples
emotions and only sees the world in black
and white.

15. Climax
The climax is where Caitlin finally
figures out how to feel empathy for
people and being able to put herself
in someone's shoes.

16. Falling Action
There is a ceremony at the middle school
where Devon was shot. The ceremony
was for all who were taken in the
shooting. Caitlin and her dad donate
Devon’s finished Eagle Scout chest to the
middle school for everyone to have
closure.

18. Closure
I think the theme of this novel is how the
concept of “closure” can get people
through grief. When Caitlin and her dad
found closure within the chest, it really
helped them realize the good things in
life.

20. I would strongly recommend this
book to anyone. The way the author
writes the story helps you understand
how a person struggling with
Asperger’s Syndrome has to go
through everyday life.