Everything, Everything
on Goodreads (657,575)
What’s inside...
Maddy has a rare disease that makes her allergic to the world and has kept her housebound for 15 years. Her life changes when new neighbors move in next door and she meets Olly. She becomes captivated by him and starts desiring a life outside her bubble. As they grow closer, Maddy predicts she will fall in love with Olly, but fears it will end in disaster. In Nicola Yoon's second book, The Sun is Also a Star, we follow another intense love story between Natasha and Daniel whose paths cross in New York City. This book delves into their backgrounds and the circumstances that bring them together.
Age
12-17
Length
310 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Madeline Whittier
Olly Bright
Carla
Pauline Whittier
Madeline "Maddy" Furukawa Whittier
Oliver "Olly" Bright
Pauline Furukawa Whittier
Carla Flores
Discussion points
How do you think Maddy's life inside the house compares to her adventures outside? What would you do in her situation?
What role do you think love plays in the choices Maddy makes throughout the story? Can you think of a time when love influenced a decision you made?
How do Maddy’s relationships with other characters, like her mother and Olly, change over the course of the book? What do these changes say about her growth as a person?
What feelings did you experience when Maddy discovers the truth about her illness? How important is trust in our relationships with others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Maddy’s situations, promoting a deeper connection with the character.
Highlight the diverse themes like love, freedom, and self-discovery. Discuss how these themes are interlinked and what they mean to your child.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of honesty and communication in relationships. Ask your child about times they had to communicate something difficult.
Discuss the concept of risk and safety as portrayed in the book—what risks are worth taking, and what considerations are important in making such decisions?
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of taking risks
Explanation: In 'Everything, Everything,' the protagonist, Maddy, takes significant risks to experience life beyond her controlled environment. Her bravery in facing the outside world despite her illness underscores this lesson.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to step out of their comfort zones to explore new activities or make new friends, understanding that growth often comes from facing the unknown.
Example Lesson: The value of empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story demonstrates empathy through the character of Olly, who tries to understand Maddy's condition and supports her desire to experience the world. This portrayal highlights the importance of being considerate and supportive of others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards classmates or friends who may be different from them or facing challenges, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: The book showcases the repercussions of deceit when Maddy discovers the truth about her illness. This revelation affects her relationship with her mother and her view of life, illustrating how deception can lead to loss of trust and emotional pain.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of honesty in building and maintaining trust in relationships, both with family and friends.
Example Lesson: The power of love and connection
Explanation: Throughout 'Everything, Everything,' Maddy's relationship with Olly highlights how deep connections can profoundly impact one's life, providing happiness and purpose.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the significance of building meaningful relationships and showing love and care towards one another, which enhances emotional well-being and social growth.