What do You think about Because Of Anya (2002)?
this book was the best book that i read this whole school year!! Anya is a girl that has to fight a cure to her bad disease. Keely, her only friend helps her become strong and fight the horrible illness. Anya's parents are sad because they wanted to have another baby, but they dont want to much anymore because they do not want the next child to have the same disease as anya. anya feels horrible! she doesnt go to school, doesnt have many friends, and she gets majorly embarressed in gym class! what ever will Anya do!!!! Every one should read this book it is kind of short but really good! i also think this book should get some kind of an award!!!
—Lauren S
This powerful book discusses issues of disease that could be relatable or surprising to a third grade reader. However, the book is perfect if paired with group discussion about the themes and difficult subjects. Another part of the book that I really like is the fact that Keely wants to stand up for Anya, even among Keely's friends. This situation is the perfect introduction to a discussion about bystanders and bullies. The book proposes so many opportunities for discussion that I had to include it in my library.
—Leah Koch
A librarian at our library recommended this to me, and she was so sweet, I didn't have the heart to put it back on the shelf . . . but I'm glad I took the time to read it! It's about a girl who has alopecia areata, a disease that causes her hair to fall out in chunks and possibly never grow back. I loved how Haddix shows both her perspective and that of her classmates and how they dealt with learning she was wearing a wig. It was very well-written and a super-fast read, but worth the time. It's one of those I'd love my daughter to read.
—Jessica
