Optimists Die First

By Susin Nielsen

Book Overview

Award-winning author Susin Nielsen has written a laugh-out-loud and heartrending novel for fans of Robyn Schneider's Extraordinary Means and Cammie McGovern's Say What You Will . Beware: Life ahead. Sixteen-year-old Petula de Wilde is anything but wild. A former crafting fiend with a happy life, Petula shut herself off from the world after a family tragedy. She sees danger in all the ordinary things, like crossing the street, a bug bite, or a germy handshake. She knows: life is out to get you. The worst part of her week is her comically lame mandatory art therapy class with a small group of fellow misfits. Then a new boy, Jacob, appears at school and in her therapy group. He seems so normal and confident, though he has a prosthetic arm; and soon he teams up with Petula on a hilarious project, gradually inspiring her to let go of some of her fears. But as the two grow closer, a hidden truth behind why he's in the group threatens to derail them, unless Petula takes a huge risk. . . Praise: Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year "Nielsen writes with sensitivity, empathy, and humor." -- Kirkus Reviews, Starred "Nielsen excels at depicting troubled, clever teenagers in familiar environments." -- School Library Journal, Starred " An] empathic and deeply moving story, balanced by sharply funny narration and dialogue." -- Publishers Weekly, Starred "A poignant exploration into the nuances of healing." -- Quill and Quire, Starred

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 055349693X
• ISBN13: 9780553496932
• Release Date: February 2018
• Publisher: Rh Childrens Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher