When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao (Paperback)

After the death of his best friend, Eric Ly struggles to cope with overwhelming grief. To manage the pain, he escapes into imaginary scenarios, crafting a world where he can feel some control over the chaos of loss. But everything changes when one of these imagined moments becomes real: Haru Tanaka, a boy Eric met the previous summer, appears in a coffee shop—and no one else can see him.

As Eric spends time with Haru, he begins to feel a connection he has longed for, easing his loneliness and offering comfort in his darkest moments. Yet, the line between reality and imagination starts to blur. What begins as a source of solace becomes a challenge, forcing Eric to confront the fragile nature of the world he’s created for himself.

When Haru Was Here explores themes of grief, healing, and the longing for human connection. Dustin Thao blends magic and emotion to tell a story that examines the heart’s capacity for love and resilience, even in the face of loss. Eric must navigate the complexities of his feelings and decide how far he is willing to go to hold onto someone who may exist only in his mind.

This poignant young adult novel captures the heartache of loss while weaving a magical and tender story about finding hope, connection, and the courage to face reality—even if it means letting go.