Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Language: Use of deity’s name, several common swearwords, name calling, smack talking.

Sexual Content: Jeff is attracted to Lindsey. He notices how beautiful she is and how nice her body is. He enjoys looking at her from behind and enjoys touching her and kissing her.

Adult Themes: Cancer medication has terrible and long lasting effects on the patient. Jeff relates the difficult effects of treatment for his cancer. He also shares the emotional effects that cancer has had on his family and social life. Cancer takes the life of fellow patients and friends.

Synopsis

Jeff is a cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with leukemia in kindergarten and spent most of his elementary years in and out of hospitals. Now Jeff is in eighth grade and has been cancer free for over 5 years. His best friend Tad has survived two bouts of cancer, leaving him in a wheelchair. The two boys stick together because they have so much in common, that is until Lindsey shows up. She is a new student from California, drop dead gorgeous and actually likes Jeff. Fighting cancer has been a huge challenge, but has not prepared him to deal with a girl. Jeff must also pass a statewide test, which is a huge problem. The medication that saved his life also affected his brain and math is an impossible task. His good friend Tad helps him through the rough spots by tutoring him in math and coaching him in social skills. Jeff and Lindsey become close and Tad feels he is losing his only friend. Despite the odds, both boys try hard to support each other in their dreams when the worst challenge comes. Tad has cancer again and the doctors don’t give him much of a chance to survive. Jeff decides to do a fund raiser for his friend while Tad is coming up with a surprise to help Jeff with his state testing. In the end, Jeff learns that it is time to stop surviving and time to start living. Thanks to his good friends he is on his way.

You don’t hear much about the aftereffects that post-cancer patients suffer. This book makes it very real. Not only do these survivors have to deal with the normal challenges of life but there is a constant worry that the cancer will return. The real battle is to seize the day and live it well, no matter what it brings.