Anthem for Jackson Dawes

After 13-year-old Megan Bright is diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, she’s prescribed chemotherapy followed by an operation. Megan is determined to have everything remain as normal as possible during her time in the hospital; her chief concerns are losing her spot on the soccer team and possibly her hair. While stuck in the pediatric wing of the hospital (much to her annoyance), Megan gets closer to the only other teenager there—mischievous, dashing Jackson Dawes—and begins to acknowledge the emotions she’s been keeping buried. Initially, Jackson rubs her the wrong way, but his positivity and determined interest in Megan teach her about optimism and taking control of what she can. Megan’s developing relationships with Jackson and a six-year-old patient named Kipper lend emotional gravity to British author Bryce’s debut. It’s a quiet story, but one that effectively portrays the sudden distance from one’s own life that disease and tragedy can create. “It was like being stuck between two worlds,” Megan reflects, “not knowing how to get back, not knowing which one to choose. Not wanting either.” Ages 12–up. (Apr.)