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Book details

Optimists Die First

Optimists Die First

Published in
2017
3.73
on Goodreads (5,792)

Description

Life ahead: Proceed with caution. Sixteen-year-old Petula De Wilde is anything but wild. A family tragedy has made her shut herself off from the world. Once a crafting fiend with a happy life, Petula now sees danger in everything, from airplanes to ground beef. The worst part of her week is her comically lame mandatory art therapy class. She has nothing in common with this small band of teenage misfits, except that they all carry their own burden of guilt. When Jacob joins their ranks, he seems so normal and confident. Petula wants nothing to do with him, or his prosthetic arm. But when they’re forced to collaborate on a unique school project, she slowly opens up, and he inspires her to face her fears. Until a hidden truth threatens to derail everything.
Age
12-15
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
240 pages

Why to read

  • Addresses mental health issues
  • Features relatable characters
  • Incorporates humor in a sensitive story
  • Promotes the importance of art as therapy