
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating a heavy life transition, such as recovering from a major illness or grappling with a sense of displacement in their own life. It is particularly suited for older teens who feel caught between the person they used to be and the person they are becoming after a life-altering event. The story follows Andre, a Black teenager who receives a liver transplant only to discover he can now travel through time, leading him on a journey that explores the complexity of grief, love, and the desire to belong. This novel is a poignant blend of magical realism and contemporary romance that addresses the emotional weight of being a survivor. It normalizes the feeling of 'out of sync' time that often accompanies chronic illness while providing a diverse, queer-centered narrative. Parents will appreciate how it handles themes of mortality and legacy with both sensitivity and urgency, making it an excellent choice for facilitating deep conversations about making the most of the present moment while honoring the past. The content is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its mature emotional themes and romantic elements.
Some use of profanity consistent with YA fiction.
Queer romance including kissing and emotional intimacy.
Deals with cancer, organ donation, and the death of a donor.
Terminal illness, medical procedures and recovery, grief and the death of a loved one (the donor), and historical depictions of systemic racism and police brutality during the 1960s.
A high schooler who has experienced a major health crisis or a significant loss and feels like their life has been divided into "before" and "after." It is perfect for the teen who loves romance but wants a story that respects the weight of their real-world struggles.
This can be read cold by most teens, but parents may want to be ready to discuss the 1960s sequences, which include period-accurate racism and the tension of the era. The book handles these moments with care but they are emotionally taxing. A child expressing that they feel like a burden because of their health, or a teen who is struggling to move forward after a friend or family member has passed away, feeling stuck in the past.
Younger teens (14) will likely focus on the time-travel mechanics and the central love triangle. Older teens (17-18) will better grasp the philosophical questions about the ethics of time travel and the profound burden of living for two people.
Unlike many time-travel novels that focus on grand historical events, this book uses the genre to explore the intimate, internal landscape of medical trauma and the challenges of navigating race and sexuality in both modern and historical contexts. """
Andre Cobb is a teenager who, after receiving a life-saving liver transplant, realizes his new organ has granted him the ability to time travel. He is whisked from modern-day New York to 1969, where he meets and falls for Michael, while simultaneously navigating a growing connection with Blake, the brother of his modern-day donor. Andre must balance his physical recovery with the emotional toll of living in two eras.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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