Synopsis:
Twelve-year-old Caleb is shorter, frailer, and more protected than most kids his age. That’s because he has cystic fibrosis, a diagnosis meaning lungs that fill with mucus and a shortened lifespan. Caleb tries not to let his disorder define him, but it can be hard with an overprotective, prying mom and a big brother who is perfect in every way.
Then Caleb meets Kit-a vibrant, independent, and free girl who lives in a house in the woods-and his world changes instantly. Kit reads Caleb’s palm and tells him they are destined to become friends. She calls birds down from the sky, turns every day into an adventure, and never sees him as his disorder. Her magic is contagious, making Caleb question the rules and order in his life. But being Kit’s friend means embracing deception and, more and more, danger. Soon Caleb will have to decide if his friendship with Kit is really what’s best for him-or Kit.
My Review:
I picked up this book because the main character has Cystic Fibrosis. My first impression was Kit seemed a bit like the girl in Bridge to Teribithia. She was imaginative, and Caleb took to imaginative play with her. I wasn’t sure what to think of Caleb after awhile. Nor Kit. Neither were being honest, and I didn’t care for Caleb’s attitude, even though I understood it knowing even a small portion of the CF care routine. During this time I didn’t care for the book. But then at the end, I cried. This is a book about family and friendship, and was a wonderful read.
I received an ARC from the publisher.
Roxbury Books 