Published July 23rd 2019 by HarperTeen
Public library copy
Amelia is a senior in high school and has lived her whole life knowing she has biliary atresia. It hasn't compromised her health... until she throws up blood during a roller derby match. She attributes this at first to taking a hit she can't remember in her character as Rolldemort, but that's not the case. The doctors tell her that her liver is "turning to cement" and she will need a transplant sooner rather than later. Her best friend Sibby is supportive, but Amelia is uncomfortable being known as "the sick girl" and asking her high school classmates to become organ donors. Her mother is worried, even losing weight so that she can be considered, and her brother who is at college is worried that he can't be at home with her. He deputizes his best friend, Will, to watch out for Amelia, and the two develop a romance. There are also the ordinary deadlines and concerns of high school to deal with, but her health steadily declines. Will all of the medical treatment be enough to save her?
Strengths: This would be perfect for fans of The Fault in Our Stars and other Lurlene McDaniel like titles where a romance is doomed due to a significant health issue. I love Malone's middle grade titles, and she draws me immediately into the story. This does have a more middle grade pacing, which is a good thing, and even the romance isn't quite as dire. Amelia has a good outlook-- it's not the strong, brave character with a deadly illness or the snarky fighter. Instead, she is balanced and nuanced, and her family is fantastic. I enjoyed reading this.
Weaknesses: A little formulaic; you know how this ends.
What I really think: I don't have the readers for YA romance that I used to have and there are too many f-bombs for me to purchase. I would definitely get this for a high school library and will suggest this to my readers who have public library cards.
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