By Gayle Forman

Published 2009

AR level: 5.3

AR points: 8.0

I suggest 8th through 12th grade.

This is one of those books you should read, but it may not be an easy journey.

This story, about a girl in coma who must come to terms with whether she wants to stay or go, will make you think about death, and that’s not always easy for a society who likes to push tragedy away. And whatever you believe about life after death (or perhaps you don’t), this book offers an excellent opportunity to open the discussion for both teens and adults.

Now, don’t get the idea that this book is too bleak to read. That’s far from the truth. Forman weaves plenty of hope and humor into a serious story, so I certainly recommend for readers who can go beyond sugary-sweet, predictable novels.

Description from B&N:

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Now a major motion picture starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Mia’s story will stay with you for a long, long time.