Monday, June 20, 2016

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon



Last week a friend gave me this book to read because it was recommended by a student.  I haven't read many YA books lately, one of the drawbacks of not being in the classroom is that I don't have as much motivation to find new books for kids to read.

Yesterday was a perfect day for laying by the pool and reading and this was the perfect book for it.
Everything Everything is a little like The Fault in Our Stars but different in many ways too.
Madeline Whitter is not like any other high school student you will ever meet.  She is 17 years old and never leaves her house, ever.  The only human contact she has is with her mom, her nurse Carla and occasionally one of her tutors.  Yet Madeline is happy.  She loves to read, and is passionate about architecture.  Although there are times when she wishes her life was different, her mom and nurse try to make her life as exciting and happy as possible.  One day when a new family moves in next door, Madeline can't help but be intrigued by the new boy in the family.  They seem to be about the same age, and Madeline finds herself drawn to him.  As the story goes on, Madeline and Olly become friends through electronic communication and Madeline begins to fall in love with him. Suddenly her tidy life isn't enough for her, she starts wishing for more.  But, she has to be brave enough to life life to the fullest, even if that comes at a high cost to herself.

I loved, loved, loved this book.  I could not put it down, and I actually finished it in one sitting.  There is one mature scene in the book, but it is handled so well that I wouldn't hesitate to have it in my grade 7 classroom. Anyone who loves John Green would love this book.  I can't wait to share it with some of my former students who are now in grade 9.