About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is grappling with the feeling of being different, particularly due to a health struggle or learning challenge. While many books focus on the crisis of illness, this story explores the complicated and often humorous reality of what happens after the danger has passed but the scars remain. It follows Jeffrey Alper, a cancer survivor navigating eighth grade with the help of his best friend Tad, who is also a survivor. Through a mix of sharp wit and raw honesty, Jordan Sonnenblick captures the nuances of friendship, academic pressure, and the search for identity. This is an excellent choice for building empathy and resilience, as it validates the frustration of having a body or brain that functions differently than others. It is highly appropriate for the 10 to 14 age range, providing a realistic yet hopeful look at finding one's strength in the wake of adversity.
