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Children's books

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Jenny Downham: Before I die - if you were giving an 'official recommendation' - what age?

4 replies

roisin · 03/12/2007 22:54

I lend lots of new books out to students at school. I like this one and think it's mostly harmless (especially as most of them have read lots of Jacqueline Wilson, including the bleakest ones).

But I'm not at all sure at what age I can recommend this book, without risking a possible complaint from an over-protective parent. (Not that we have many of them.)

Amazon synopsis says:
Tessa has just a few months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It's her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is sex. Released from the constraints of 'normal' life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa's feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa's time finally runs out. "Before I Die" is a brilliantly-crafted novel, heartbreaking yet astonishingly life-affirming. It will take you to the very edge.

OP posts:
Doodledootoo · 03/12/2007 22:57

Message withdrawn

roisin · 04/12/2007 03:14

Really? Gosh

IME many girls read more shocking things that this before they leave primary school! (Not that I agree with that.)

Any comments on ages from parents of 11-16 yr-old girls?

OP posts:
Doodledootoo · 04/12/2007 07:56

Message withdrawn

Doodledootoo · 04/12/2007 13:11

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