A Season for Goodbye

June 1, 1995
Gr 6-9-Returning to Jenny House (a retreat for youth with life-threatening illnesses) for the summer as Big Sisters, Katie, Lacey, and Chelsea are happy to be healthy and together again. But as they prepare to face the girls who need their support and encouragement, each of them has a personal crisis. Katie, a heart transplant survivor, wants to go to college away from her family, friends, and boyfriend to run track for Arizona. Lacey, who is learning how to control her diabetes, needs to find a way to deal with her boyfriend, a hemophiliac. And Chelsea must contend with her deceased best friend's twin brother, knowing he hates her for living while his sister died waiting for the heart that Chelsea received. As each teen tries to cope with the situation, a new arrival brings more challenge into their lives. Dullas, a 12-year-old with leukemia, is sullen, withdrawn, and hard to control. Lacey, Katie, and Chelsea must find a way to reach her before the end of the summer. Each of the characters shows maturity and wisdom in dealing with her own illness; facts about other illnesses are included as well. The author's compassionate approach informs and interests readers at the same time. Fast-paced and chock-full of teen angst and romance, this latest installment will not disappoint fans of the series.-Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL