Teen Fiction - Body, Mind & Health, Teen Fiction - Choices & Transitions, Teen Fiction - Girls & Young Women, Teen Fiction - Family & Relationships, Teen Fiction - Romance & Friendship

Too Young to Die

Name: Too Young to Die
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
ISBN: 9780553280081

by Lurlene McDaniel

Write a review

Overview

At sixteen, Melissa Austin has always worked hard to make things go her way. As the school year begins, her grades are up and she's even landed a coveted spot on the high school Brain Bowl team. She and her best friend, Jory Delaney, are determined to have the best junior year ever.

But suddenly Melissa receives devastating news about her health. At first she refuses to accept the doctor's diagnosis, but as her illness gets worse she cannot deny the truth. The caring and closeness Melissa feels toward her family and especially toward Jory help her find the inner strength and courage to face the mysteries of living and dying.

Sixteen-year-old Melissa Austin had everything going for her until she was diagnosed with leukemia. At first, she refused to accept the news, but as her illness progressed she couldn't deny the truth. Melissa knew she must live for now, and help her family and friends through the stages of anger, grief and acceptance. Reissue.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Log in to write one.

Editorials

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

These companion novels are set in Florida during two friends' junior and senior high school years. The two girls seem to have everything: Melissa is wealthy and full of energy. In the first book, Melissa discovers that she has leukemia. Determined to become a lawyer someday, Melissa decides her illness and its treatment will not hinder her academic goals. Melissa realizes, however, that there are other important things that she doesn't want to miss. In the second novel, Jory must decide on her future. Her parents want her to go to college, but Jory has very little ambition, especially since she has been so wrapped up in Melissa's troubles. Because they span two years, the novels cast the events of high school into a meaningful perspective and allow for convincing character development. McDaniel's writing is light and well suited to this refreshing and involving story. Ages 12-up. (Aug.)