Don't Die, My Love

October 1, 1995
Gr 6-9-Julie Ellis and football star Luke Muldenhower had everything going for them-popularity, good grades, and love. Then Luke develops Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Shaken to the core, Julie is determined to help him through his chemotherapy and get through this ordeal so their lives can return to normal. Then masses are discovered in his chest and groin area. Soon after he begins radiation therapy, their close relationship begins to deteriorate as Luke pushes Julie away. This novel contains excellent information on cancer treatments and the emotional world of cancer victims and those who love them. The characters are convincing enough to draw readers into the drama and the inevitable conclusions that occur when one is faced with a life-threatening illness. McDaniel shows her literary expertise by humanizing a terrible disease and guiding readers through the whole process of illness. This is a good choice for either bibliotherapy or recreational reading. Just make sure there are tissues nearby.-Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL

September 15, 1995
Gr. 7^-12. Pretty Julie and handsome football star Luke have been "engaged" since sixth grade. The attractive high-school couple's fairy tale world of dances, football games, and bright futures envelopes them like a glittery veil. Then Luke becomes ill, and tests confirm the worst medical suspicions--Hodgkin's lymphoma. The better part of the book is consumed with how the two, their parents, and the school community deal with Luke's critical illness and eventual death. Touching scenes abound in this crisis novel, particularly those of the football team's camaraderie and support. The writing is pure romance style, and the characters, especially Julie, tend to talk and think in simplistic terms. "Right now, there was only Luke," she muses typically early on, vaguely wishing she had something as intense to focus on as he had with football and ignoring her mother's prompting to start thinking about college applications. Fans of tear-jerker teen romances will enjoy this offering. ((Reviewed Sept. 15, 1995))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1995, American Library Association.)