
When Haru Was Here
A Magical and Heartbreaking Queer YA Romance
by Dustin Thao
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Pub Date 5 Sep 2024 | Archive Date 17 Aug 2024
Macmillan Children's Books | First Ink
LGBTQIA | Romance | Teens & YA
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Description
From the author of the bestselling TikTok sensation You’ve Reached Sam comes When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao. A magical exploration of loneliness, complicated friendships, and what it means to let go.
'It's magical how Dustin Thao can make you fall in love with having your heart broken' - Adam Silvera, author of They Both Die at the End
After the death of his best friend, Eric Ly creates imaginary scenarios in his head to deal with his grief. Until one of them becomes real, and a boy he met last summer – Haru Tanaka – walks into the coffee shop and sits down next to him. The only thing is, nobody else can see him.
Eric suddenly has someone to connect with, making him feel less alone in the world. But as they spend more time together, he begins to question what is real. Soon Eric is losing control of the very thing that is holding him together, and must confront his reality. Even if it means losing Haru forever.
'Get your tissues ready, this is another heart-wrenching, stunning exploration of love and loss from Dustin Thao' – Alex Aster, author of Lightlark
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781035008971 |
PRICE | £8.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 304 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

This book gave me chest pain, it was emotionally painful and moving, and I loved it. This is a journey of grief, depression and acceptance.
The author did an amazing job of guiding us through Eric’s journey, no one knows how grief will affect you. For Eric he sees a friend he met once called Haru who pops up at unexpected times and has Eric questioning if their meetings are real or if Eric is imagining Haru to help him through his grief. This was so beautifully done, it hurt but I couldnt put it down.