Optimists Die First

by Nielsen, Susin
ISBN: 9780553496901
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Overview

Award-winning author Susin Nielsen has written a laugh-out-loud and heartrending novel for fans of Robyn Schneider's Extraordinary Means and Cammie McGovern's Say What You Will.

Beware: Life ahead.

Sixteen-year-old Petula de Wilde is anything but wild. A former crafting fiend with a happy life, Petula shut herself off from the world after a family tragedy. She sees danger in all the ordinary things, like crossing the street, a bug bite, or a germy handshake. She knows: life is out to get you.

The worst part of her week is her comically lame mandatory art therapy class with a small group of fellow misfits. Then a new boy, Jacob, appears at school and in her therapy group. He seems so normal and confident, though he has a prosthetic arm; and soon he teams up with Petula on a hilarious project, gradually inspiring her to let go of some of her fears. But as the two grow closer, a hidden truth behind why he's in the group threatens to derail them, unless Petula takes a huge risk. . .

Praise:
Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year

"Nielsen writes with sensitivity, empathy, and humor." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"Nielsen excels at depicting troubled, clever teenagers in familiar environments." --School Library Journal, Starred

" An] empathic and deeply moving story, balanced by sharply funny narration and dialogue." --Publishers Weekly, Starred

"A poignant exploration into the nuances of healing." --Quill and Quire, Starred

  • Format: Hardcover
  • Author: Nielsen, Susin
  • ISBN: 9780553496901
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 8.30 x 1.00
  • Number Of Pages: 240
  • Publication Year: 2017

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  • Non-Optimists Last Longer -- Or It Just Feels Longer

    Jerry J. - 4 years 11 months ago

    As a non-optimist, I was really encouraged by the title of this book. In fact, that's what caused me to read it; I was hoping the author would tell me what I was going to get for being one of the last to die. Unfortunately, Petula has her own problems and couldn't console me about mine. Maybe next time. Actually, as a licensed professional counselor, I'm always on the lookout for a book with themes that help youngsters address the issues they are facing. Boy does this book fill the bill. The kids in yart (art class for students needing help with emotional conditions) are a really mixed bag and their discussions and feelings will meet the needs of many students. Here's a sampling: * Alonzo was thrown out of his home because he came out to his parents (Alonzo is gay). * Koula has a problem staying sober and off drugs. She's burned all her bridges with her family and friends. * Ivan's mom drowned and Ivan thinks it was his fault. He wasn't allowed to go to the funeral. * Petula, a dyed-in-the-wool crafter, made her young sister a wolf suit. The baby sucked on a button on the suit and choked and died.