When Haru Was Here: A Novel

Ages 12 to 18

We Are Okay meets Wandavision in this novel about loss and learning to let go.

After the death of his best friend, Eric Ly creates imaginary scenarios in his head to deal with his grief. Until one of them becomes real when a boy he met last summer in Japan finds his way back into his life. When he least expects it, Haru Tanaka walks into the coffee shop and sits down next to him. The only thing is, nobody else can see him.

In a magical turn of events, Eric suddenly has someone to connect with, making him feel less alone in the world. But as they spend more and more time together, he begins to question what is real. When he start losing control of the very thing that is holding him together, Eric must finally confront his reality. Even if it means losing Haru forever.

About the Author

DUSTIN THAO is a Vietnamese-American writer based in New York City. He graduated from Amherst College with a B.A. in Political Science, and he is currently in a PhD program at Northwestern University. He writes contemporary young adult fiction and is the author of the instant New York Times bestseller, You’ve Reached Sam.