Description

A boy who has spent his life living inside a shell discovers the importance of taking chance in this winner (Booklist, starred review) of a friendship story that s perfect for fans of Wonder.

Seventh grade is not going well for Will Levine. Kids at school bully him because of his funny-looking chin. And for his bar mitzvah community service project, he s forced to go to the hospital to visit RJ, an older boy struggling with an incurable disease.

At first, the boys don t get along, but then RJ shares his bucket list with Will. Among the things he wants to do: ride a roller coaster; go to a school dance; swim in the ocean. To Will, happiness is hanging out in his room, alone, preferably with the turtles he collects. But as RJ s disease worsens, Will realizes he needs to tackle the bucket list on his new friend s behalf before it s too late. It seems like an impossible mission, way outside Will s comfort zone. But as he completes each task with RJ s guidance, Will learns that life is too short to live in a shell.