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Cold Hands, Warm Heart (2009)

by Jill Wolfson(Favorite Author)

3.79 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0805082824 (ISBN13: 9780805082821)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

review 1: Dani has been limited her entire life, thanks to a heart that grew on the wrong side of her chest and could never pump properly. She's rolled with most of the limitations, but can't help but wonder whether she'll die with a bucket list of 'nevers'. Amanda is an accomplished and focused fourteen year old gymnast. They've never met, but their lives are about to intersect after Amanda misses part of a routine and suffers a serious brain injury. When Amanda's parents and her older brother have to face the choice of removing life support and deciding whether to donate her organs, it's very painful. Each one deals with their pain in a different way. Tyler, her brother discovers a secret folder on his sister's computer that opens up an entirely new way of understanding her. Whil... moree Dani is waiting for a new heart because hers has weakened too much, she meets other kids who are waiting for transplants. There's nine year old Wendy, a ball of sassy fire who needs a kidney and Milo who looks hot even if he's sort of yellow because his first donor liver is dying because he got angry and stopped taking care of himself. The last thing Dani expected while wondering if she's going to die or get a new heart is a boyfriend, but that's what happens when she and Milo start talking. There are multiple story lines in this wonderful book. The girl whose mistake cost her life, but allowed several other kids to have a new lease on theirs, the grieving brother who starts to see the world in a totally different way as he reads letters from the kids who received his sister's organs and the bit players like the nurses, organ transporter and the parents. This is a beautiful book about a reality that many juveniles will face either personally or when a family member or friend needs a transplant. Jill Wolfson has done a superb job of weaving the realities of transplants into a quirky teen love story.
review 2: Absolutely loved this! A book that makes you think about life in different angles and what it means to be you. I laughed and cried at the same time! A definite read for those who liked My Sister's Keeper.Dani was born with her heart on the wrong side of her body. In her fifteen years of life, she's had more doctors' appointments, X rays and tests and eaten more green hospital jelly than she cares about. Fourteen year old Amanda is a competitive gymnast, her body a small package of sleek muscles, in perfect health.The two girls didn't know each other until a shocking incident leaves them closer than you think. The only thing Dani is thinking about now, is How do you greet your donor's family?CHARACTERS:4/5I loved Dani a lot. She was very bubbly and seemed to have a mature attitude towards her illness. However, I believe more detail was needed to be added about Dani and her life (background, why she calls her Mum Beth, where here dad is). I think Amanda's character was built up well and made sure you felt sympathy for her without hating Dani for her death.PLOT AND ORIGINALITY4/5The transplant aspect of the plot is very original and thought provoking however I felt one of the main plots regarding Dani and Milo's romance echoed very much the romance within My Sister's Keeper.WRITING:5/5I was expecting a twist of fate at the end however, the end is easy to predict with no twist. However, it was a page turner and I couldn't put it down!EFFECT ON ME5/5Wow! It really is thought provoking, making me reflect on my life, what happens when you die and what makes me, me?OVERALL RATING: 4.5RECOMMENDED RELATED READS: My Sister's Keeper less

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