Anyone read this book?

[corvusk9]

Around 2014-2015 I was assigned a book in my eighth-grade reading class

It was about a girl whose family had to move to a new area because her father had murdered someone and they were under witness protection. The story started on her first day at her new school. I remember a scene before she left where she was talking with her mother about how she and her sister had to go by different last names in order to stay safe.

The main character was very reserved I think. She ate lunch outside by herself, writing poems in a journal. Either during the same day or later that week a boy sat nearby with a sketchbook and began drawing. Eventually, he approaches the main character and shows her a portrait he had drawn of her, They continue talking and the boy Invites her over to his house. Shortly after, thr main character learns the boy's last name and realizes that he was the son of the man her father murdered.

Upon finding out about this, The main character leaves school early, not before throwing up in the parking lot.

I didn't read much past that.

I can't remember many details but I think the book cover was dark green and the love interest may have been named Brandon or something similar?

I also distinctly remember the writing being very emotional? A few classmates and I had talked about how it was difficult to read through some chapters in class without crying.

Comments

[klwill1192]

Perhaps "Before He Finds Her" by Michael Kardos?