Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano follows 12-year-old Edward as he navigates life after being the sole survivor of a plane crash that kills 191 people, including his family. Through letters from crash victims' relatives, Edward embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery. The novel interweaves Edward's life post-crash with flashbacks to the hours before the tragedy. The book addresses grief and trauma from the airplane crash.

Ann Napolitano's Dear Edward intricately explores the aftermath of a tragic plane crash from the perspective of its sole survivor. Praised for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth, the novel delves into grief and resilience. However, some critics note a slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it’s a heartfelt narrative with a strong central message of hope and healing.

A reader who enjoys Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano is likely drawn to emotionally rich and cathartic narratives. Comparable to fans of Room by Emma Donoghue or The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, they appreciate stories of resilience and survival, and explore complex, character-driven plots that delve into personal tragedy and growth.

Emotional / Melancholic / Inspirational / Contemplative / Hopeful

- Dear Edward is inspired by a real-life event, specifically the 2010 crash of Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771, where a 9-year-old boy was the only survivor.
- Ann Napolitano spent eight years working on Dear Edward, using extensive research and interviews with plane crash survivors to write an authentic story.
- The novel was adapted into a television series by Apple TV+, with Ann Napolitano serving as an executive producer to ensure the adaptation remained true to her vision.

**Edward Adler**  
The sole survivor of a plane crash who struggles with trauma and identity as he navigates his adolescence, marked by his transition from "Eddie" to "Edward."

**Shay**  
Edward's neighbor and supportive friend who plays a crucial role in helping him cope with his trauma and eventually becomes a romantic interest.

**Lacey Curtis**  
Edward’s aunt who becomes his guardian after the crash, working alongside him to overcome her own losses and integrate Edward into her family.

**John Curtis**  
Lacey’s husband and Edward’s uncle by marriage, who keeps crucial information about the crash hidden while coping with his own silent struggle.

**Bruce Adler**  
Edward’s father, one of the crash victims, who is consumed by career frustrations and his changing relationship with Edward’s older brother, Jordan.

**Jane Adler**  
Edward’s mother, who sits separately from her family during the plane crash and reflects on her divided priorities between family obligations and personal aspirations.

**Jordan Adler**  
Edward’s rebellious older brother whose death profoundly impacts Edward, influencing his identity and connection to people around him.

**Crispin Cox**  
A wealthy, elderly passenger on the flight confronting his mortality and past traumas, who passes away just before the crash.

**Linda Stollen**  
A young woman with an uncertain romantic future, grappling with the surprises of an unexpected pregnancy during the flight.

**Benjamin Stillman**  
An injured soldier contemplating his life and identity during the flight, who shares a brief but meaningful encounter with Edward.

**Mark Lassio**  
A businessman dealing with substance dependency issues while on the flight, who leaves a legacy that influences Edward’s journey.

**Florida**  
An eccentric passenger with a vivid sense of past lives and a belief in reincarnation, who offers support to Linda on the flight.

**Veronica**  
The magnetic first-class flight attendant who thrives in the environment of the aircraft, attracting the attention and admiration of various passengers.

**Principal Arundhi**  
The principal of Edward’s school who provides him with a sense of duty and growth by entrusting Edward with the care of his beloved ferns.

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Dear Edward Summary and Study Guide

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Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Dear Edward Part 1, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 3-5

Dear Edward Part 1, Chapters 3-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-8

Dear Edward Part 1, Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-10

Dear Edward Part 1, Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2, Chapters 1-3 

Dear Edward Part 2, Chapters 1-3  Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 4-6

Dear Edward Part 2, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-10

Dear Edward Part 2, Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Part 3, Chapters 1-3

Dear Edward Part 3, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 4-7

Dear Edward Part 3, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 8-Epilogue

Dear Edward Part 3, Chapter 8-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Dear Edward

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