Summary
Hazel is a teenager living with terminal cancer. At her cancer support group, she meets Augustus, who has lost his leg to cancer. The two grow closer, bonding over their shared experience and Augustus' discovery of Hazel's favourite book.
Hazel is a teenager living with terminal cancer. At her cancer support group, she meets Augustus, who has lost his leg to cancer. The two grow closer, bonding over their shared experience and Augustus' discovery of Hazel's favourite book.
Evaluative
comments
This is an extremely moving book with an unexpected sense of humour. The premise of the book runs the risk of becoming cliche and trite, but Green's excellent writing and vivid, real characters transcend cliche. The characters are very frank about their illnesses, unafraid to consider and discuss their more serious thoughts about dying. However, they do so with a certain degree of humour and optimism, allowing the book to retain a bittersweet mood. The result is a story that will touch readers, and leave them with many things to think about.
This is an extremely moving book with an unexpected sense of humour. The premise of the book runs the risk of becoming cliche and trite, but Green's excellent writing and vivid, real characters transcend cliche. The characters are very frank about their illnesses, unafraid to consider and discuss their more serious thoughts about dying. However, they do so with a certain degree of humour and optimism, allowing the book to retain a bittersweet mood. The result is a story that will touch readers, and leave them with many things to think about.
Suggested audience
Grades 9-12
Grades 9-12
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Character-driven, moving, bittersweet, emotionally intense, engaging
Read-alikes - How to Say Goodbye in Robot, Natalie Standiford; Before I Die, Jenny Downham
Appeal terms - Character-driven, moving, bittersweet, emotionally intense, engaging
Read-alikes - How to Say Goodbye in Robot, Natalie Standiford; Before I Die, Jenny Downham
Booktalking hook
Read episode in park behind the museum (pp. 85-90).
Read episode in park behind the museum (pp. 85-90).
Reason for inclusion
Awards and Honours - Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category, 2012; Goodreads Choice Awards, 2012; Great Lakes, Great Books: Young Adult category; School Library Journal Best Books, 2012; YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2013
Awards and Honours - Booklist Editors' Choice - Books for Youth - Older Readers Category, 2012; Goodreads Choice Awards, 2012; Great Lakes, Great Books: Young Adult category; School Library Journal Best Books, 2012; YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2013
Category
Realistic, Award-Winning
Realistic, Award-Winning
