Afterlife

By Gary Soto | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

You'd think a knife in the ribs would be the end of things, but for Chuy, that's when his life at last gets interesting. He finally sees that people love him, faces the consequences of his actions, finds in himself compassion and bravery . . . and even stumbles on what may be true love.

A funny, touching, and wholly original story by one of the finest authors writing for young readers today. 


But as Chuy drifts through the streets of Fresno, he learns he’s not the only ghost out there. Can two souls, lost between worlds, find each other before they fade away completely?


  • YA Paranormal Romance: Chuy thought his life was over, until he meets Crystal—another ghost who might be the true love he never had a chance to find.
  • Chicano Literature: An authentic, heartfelt, and sometimes funny story about a Mexican-American teen navigating family, friendship, and his own unexpected death in Fresno, California.
  • Coming of Age… After Death: Freed from his body, Chuy finally sees the consequences of his actions and the depth of his family’s love, discovering a compassion he never knew he had.
  • A Poignant Take on Grief: Follow Chuy’s friends and family as they grapple with his sudden murder, and a cousin who is pushed toward a dangerous path of revenge.

Editions of Afterlife

Paperback
ISBN 9780152052201
EBook
ISBN 9780547417110

Read an Excerpt

You'd think a knife in the ribs would be the end of things, but for Chuy, that's when his life at last gets interesting. He finally sees that people love him, faces the consequences of his actions, finds in himself compassion and bravery . . . and even stumbles on what may be true love.

A funny, touching, and wholly original story by one of the finest authors writing for young readers today. 


But as Chuy drifts through the streets of Fresno, he learns he’s not the only ghost out there. Can two souls, lost between worlds, find each other before they fade away completely?


  • YA Paranormal Romance: Chuy thought his life was over, until he meets Crystal—another ghost who might be the true love he never had a chance to find.
  • Chicano Literature: An authentic, heartfelt, and sometimes funny story about a Mexican-American teen navigating family, friendship, and his own unexpected death in Fresno, California.
  • Coming of Age… After Death: Freed from his body, Chuy finally sees the consequences of his actions and the depth of his family’s love, discovering a compassion he never knew he had.
  • A Poignant Take on Grief: Follow Chuy’s friends and family as they grapple with his sudden murder, and a cousin who is pushed toward a dangerous path of revenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Afterlife about?

You'd think a knife in the ribs would be the end of things, but for Chuy, that's when his life at last gets interesting. He finally sees that people love him, faces the consequences of his actions, finds in himself compassion and bravery . . . and even stumbles on what may be true love.

A funny, touching, and wholly original story by one of the finest authors writing for young readers today. 


But as Chuy drifts through the streets of Fresno, he learns he’s not the only ghost out there. Can two souls, lost between worlds, find each other before they fade away completely?


  • YA Paranormal Romance: Chuy thought his life was over, until he meets Crystal—another ghost who might be the true love he never had a chance to find.
  • Chicano Literature: An authentic, heartfelt, and sometimes funny story about a Mexican-American teen navigating family, friendship, and his own unexpected death in Fresno, California.
  • Coming of Age… After Death: Freed from his body, Chuy finally sees the consequences of his actions and the depth of his family’s love, discovering a compassion he never knew he had.
  • A Poignant Take on Grief: Follow Chuy’s friends and family as they grapple with his sudden murder, and a cousin who is pushed toward a dangerous path of revenge.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Afterlife?

Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: General interest > Children’s / Teenage general interest: Communities, places and peoples

Where can I read a sample of Afterlife?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780152052201

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Afterlife?

Gary Soto

Who is the Publisher of the book Afterlife?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Afterlife is available as paperback(ISBN 9780152052201) and ebook(ISBN 9780547417110)

Where can I buy Afterlife online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Afterlife from below

Where can I buy Afterlife?