TEENREADS

Short summary:

Twyla is preparing to start high school, playing in a summer field hockey tournament, and dreaming of making Varsity when the nausea begins. At first, she blames dehydration. But when school starts, her symptoms worsen. When Twyla questions her dad about her late mother’s medical history, he shuts down the conversation. Her best friends have become weirdly cagey, ghosting her outside of school and whispering when she’s around. She definitely doesn’t want to tell her neighbor and lab partner, who’s suddenly giving her butterflies. And doctors won’t listen—they’re convinced it’s just a minor digestive issue, or stress. Frustrated but determined, Twyla sets off to find answers on her own. When she discovers a potential answer in her mom’s records, Twyla feels a twinge of hope. Maybe she can find her own reasons. But can she do it before everything in her life shatters…including Twyla?

​

Recommendation:

This book is a rollercoaster of a read, taking you through the highs and lows of illness and disease. An inspiring story, many people would benefit from reading this book!

​

About the author:

As the mother of one child with brain cancer and another with ADHD, Shannon Stocker is passionate about advocating for children with disabilities. She’s authored picture books such as the 2023 ALA Schneider Family Book Award winner Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion and Warrior: A Patient’s Courageous Quest, among others.