MARY
JENNIFER
PAYNE

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I acknowledge that the work I do is hosted on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. I also recognise the enduring presence, resilience and resurgence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

Mary Jennifer Payne
Grave Message Cover

ISBN 978-1-45972-818-9

Grave Message

Jaylin’s studying for an exam when she gets a text message from her best friend, Fatima. The thing is, Fatima died exactly a year ago in a terrible accident. At first, Jaylin thinks someone is playing a horrible prank, but as the texts become more detailed, containing things no one else could know, Jaylin realizes she’s either going mad or Fatima is reaching out to her from beyond the grave. Then Fatima shares one last secret and asks Jaylin to set the record straight around the circumstances of her death. But is Jaylin strong enough to relive losing her best friend all over again?

“Since You’ve Been Gone is fast-paced and compelling … [the book] will appeal to anyone who likes realistic contemporary stories about youth facing difficult circumstances.”
– Canadian Review of Materials

“This is a splendid book, full of mystery, adventure, and love.”
– McNallyRobinson.com

“…the unflinching portrayal of Edie’s experience (and well-earned anger) is what makes her story so believable. The author manages to create a feeling of adventure while still respecting the pain and stress [Edie] is undergoing…this is fresh, tough writing that meets young readers where they live.”
– Quill & Quire (starred review)