Warhead

May 1, 2019
A cancer survivor looks back on how personal and family issues affected his diagnosis, treatment, and aftermath. Though debut author Henigson does go over the discovery of his brain tumor in 1986 at age 15 and the symptoms, surgery, ensuing courses of chemo and radiation, and then a quixotic journey to Moscow, thanks to the Starlight Children's Foundation, in hopes of discussing nuclear disarmament with Mikhail Gorbachev, the fuel powering his narrative is a blend of smoldering anger at his cold, distant father, weary acceptance of his mother's emotional dependence, and wrangles with adolescent libido and depression. Consequently, and notwithstanding worthy views on the arms race and a cogent insight that "battling" cancer is an invidious metaphor ("I wasn't one of the combatants. I was the battlefield"), he comes off as a self-centered and not particularly reflective teen more interested in grinding axes against his neurologist, a certain unsympathetic teacher, and, most particularly, his dad than in offering comfort, coping strategies, or even reassurance that he ultimately found ways of moving past his anger. His account cuts off abruptly with his entry into college and an exclamatory letter of praise from a Russian fan. Cancer fiction with young characters abounds, but memoirs are rare--so it's unfortunate that when one does come along, it's neither particularly current nor much more than self-therapy. (Memoir. 13-18)

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July 1, 2019

Gr 7 Up-Henigson's heartfelt and funny memoir captures his tumultuous teenage years during the Cold War. At 15, he survived a bike accident, experienced seizures for the first time, and was diagnosed with brain cancer. While undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, Henigson did his best to put on a brave face for his anxious mother, emotionally distant father, and best friend, Paul. In a cancer support group meeting, Henigson learned that many of the other teens had their wishes granted by the Starlight Children's Foundation, which could grant his wish, too. After giving it much thought, he decided on a wish he hoped would make his father proud-to travel to the Soviet Union and talk peace with Premier Mikhail Gorbachev. While met with resistance, Henigson was able to make the trip alongside the Youth Ambassadors of America. His time there was life changing. Despite not being able to meet Gorbachev, the author formed friendships with both American and Soviet teens, was interviewed by Soviet media, and had an invaluable conversation with famous scientist Dr. Evgeny Velikhov. After returning to the States, Henigson faced additional struggles. He felt his parents were disinterested in learning about the trip, and his closest friend from the cancer support group passed away. The book is filled with many painful memories but still peppered with humor throughout. VERDICT Henigson's strength, passion, and conviction will inspire readers. A unique and informative addition to any high school or YA biography collection.-Jess Gafkowitz, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2019
Grades 7-12 Debut author Henigson returns to the late '80s in this emotional memoir recounting his roller-coaster teenage years. In a time of landlines, bicycles, and a waning Cold War, Henigson is pitched as an average 15-year-old ?though he might be better described as an average affluent, white, male 15-year-old?whose life takes a turn when he's diagnosed with brain cancer. Readers will root for him through the harrowing treatment and sympathize as he struggles socially. When the Starlight Children's Foundation offers him a wish, he requests a meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev to discuss world peace. Jeff's true wish, however, is to impress his emotionally withdrawn father, and this need forms the emotional core of the story. Even as Jeff navigates hormonal impulses, a thrilling trip to Moscow, and the looming threat of cancer, we are anchored by the deep affection for his mother and desperate yearning for fatherly love. It's a tale well-told?always gripping, often heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting. A useful story about navigating matters of the heart in times of personal?and global?crisis.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)