ways to live forever

 

Title: Ways to Live Forever

Author: Sally Nicholls 

 Age: 10-14

 

This book caught my attention right from the start with the 1^st list that Sam makes.

1. My name is Sam.
2. I am eleven years old.
3. I collect stories and fantastic facts.
4. I have leukemia.
5. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead.

This novel is written from Sam’s point of view and expresses frustration, confusion and sometimes anger about questions he feels nobody will answer. He also shares with the reader his favorite things and best days. This book takes an honest position right from the start about what it means to be terminally ill, explaining what an IV is and why Sam doesn't go to school anymore. The novel also touches on the tension that illness creates in a family.

This would be an excellent book for children who may be ill themselves, or for children who have friends that are terminally ill because it offers them a window into typical fears and questions. Most importantly it stresses that sick children just want to be treated like they were before they were sick.