Boo by Neil Smith [paperback, gift]

This was recommended by my youngest kid, and it did not disappoint. Our protagonist is dead at the beginning of the book, and ends up in a heaven-of-sorts for 13 year olds. Kids who end up there stay in that level of heaven for 50 years, and then disappear, presumably to wherever the next stage of the afterlife is.

There is tremendous worldbuilding and unveiling of the story behind the protagonist’s death in a school shooting. The book tackles some serious topics with a somewhat whimsical tone while managing not to be disrespectful.

Heartily recommend.