What About Will

What About Will by Janet Gurtler tells the emotional story of twelve-year-old Trace Reynolds, whose once-close relationship with his older brother, Will, is shattered after Will suffers a traumatic brain injury during a football game. Before the injury, Will was Trace's hero—teaching him to ride a bike, sharing moments over sports, and being his biggest supporter. However, the aftermath of the injury changes everything.

Seventeen months later, Will is a different person: struggling with a facial tic, depression, anger issues, and a growing addiction to pain medication. The injury strains their family, ultimately leading to their parents' divorce. Trace, feeling the weight of the situation, begins to cover for Will, trying to protect him from the consequences of his actions. But as Will's behavior worsens—stealing, skipping school, and retreating into himself—Trace realizes that the situation can no longer be ignored.

In this poignant narrative, Trace learns that some secrets are too big to keep, and that healing requires confronting the truth, no matter how difficult. What About Will explores themes of family, loyalty, and the challenges of supporting a loved one through addiction and mental health struggles.