The Last Leaves Falling (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781481430654)

A teen grapples with ALS and his decision to die in this devastatingly beautiful debut novel infused with the haunting grace of samurai death poetry and the noble importance of friendship.

Abe Sora is going to die, and he's only seventeen years old. Diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), he's already lost the use of his legs, which means he can no longer attend school. Seeking a sense of normality, Sora visits teen chat rooms online and finally finds what he's been longing for: friendship without pity.

As much as he loves his new friends, he can't ignore what's ahead. He's beginning to lose the function of his hands, and soon he'll become even more of a burden to his mother. Inspired by the death poems of the legendary Japanese warriors known as samurai, Sora makes the decision to leave life on his own terms. And he needs his friends to help him.

Author: Sarah Benwell
ISBN-10: 1481430653
ISBN-13: 9781481430654
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Language: English
Published: 06/02/2015
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.80w x 1.20d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.1
Point Value: 9
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 175465 / Last Leaves Falling


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 02/15/2015 pg. 82
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2015
School Library Journal 03/01/2015 pg. 149
Publishers Weekly 04/27/2015
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2015 pg. 105
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2015 pg. 111 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style
PW Children's Starred Reviews 12/02/2015 pg. 94