The book I read this month is called Searching for David's Heart by Cherie Bennett. Bennett, currently one of the head associate writers for the Young and the Restless, published this young adult novel in 1998.
The book takes place in Appleton Wisconsin where a family of 5 has the "American Dream". Dad is a cop, Mom is a nurse, and they have three healthy children.
Darcy Deeton, the main character, is in sixth grade and absolutely adores her older brother, David. He's a star football player, loving brother and son, and caring friend. Darcy says "he's the we of me". They are the best of friends and soul mates...until David gets a girlfriend.
Darcy despises David's girlfriend and it shows. At her birthday party the J-word (that's what Darcy calls her), shows up unexpectedly. Darcy lashes out at her. Later, she goes to apologize, but the apology ends up being a huge fight between Darcy and David.
That same evening David is hit and killed by a car, and only Darcy and David's girlfriend know the truth about what happened! Was David's death Darcy's fault?
This book is absolutely AMAZING! It's an easy read, so all you parents out there with upper elementary and junior high school students, use this book as an opportunity to discuss organ and tissue donation!
Bennett pulls you in as a reader, whether you are 12 or 50, she really connects you with the characters. This book will make you feel numerous emotions...sadness, disparity, happiness, embarrassment, love, and joy! It made me laugh and it surely made me cry!!
Topics this book touches: Racism, Family, Magic Tricks, Poverty,Acceptance, and of course ORGAN DONATION
