Ways to Live Forever

Sally Nicholls' Ways to Live Forever was recommended to me by some of my 8th grade boys. One of them said, "That book is the best book I have ever read!". The story begins with a list written by the eleven-year-old British narrator, Sam. Number 4 on his list says "I have leukemia". Number 5 on his list says "by the time you read this, I will probably be dead". The story takes us through Sam's daily life battling cancer. Told in journal format with lists and illustrations - reluctant readers will stick with it. Sam describes his friendship with another cancer patient named Felix. The two boys are determined to make every minute of their lives count. This tear-jerker gives readers a glimpse of how an entire family is affected when a child is diagnosed with cancer. This reminded me of a middle school version of John Green's The Fault in our Stars. Great book with teachable moments! Just found out the movie will be coming to North America spring 2013.