"While the ending is gut-wrenching, there is hope to be found in unexpected places as Eric learns to funnel his pain into his art." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "A heartfelt tale of grief." -- New York Times "Thao does a beautiful job of employing magic realism in this sometimes poignant but always captivating gay love story." -- Booklist "Thao casts an intelligent look into the harm and benefits of one teen's coping mechanisms in this sharply depicted exploration of grief and moving on." -- Publishers Weekly "Devastatingly honest and achingly human, When Haru Was Here is a melodic exploration of love, loneliness, and the multitude of ways grief shapes us. No one captures the beauty in heartbreak like Dustin Thao." --Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You " When Haru Was Here is a mind-bending, gut-punching, heart-healing portrait of grief. It's magical how Dustin Thao can make you fall in love with having your heart broken.

" -Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End "Get your tissues ready, this is another heart-wrenching, stunning exploration of love and loss from Dustin Thao. I read Haru Was Here in a single sitting, and cried at the ending. Filled with raw emotions, relatable moments, and a touch of enchantment, prepare to have your heart broken and mended by the time the story is over." -Alex Aster, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lightlark.