Classroom connections is a recurring series meant to introduce teachers to new books.
Never Eighteen — Megan Bostic
“Bostic writes this graceful, affecting tale without pretension…Perhaps it’s because of that simplicity that the story concludes with such a powerful emotional punch.” –Kirkus review
“Bostic writes this graceful, affecting tale without pretension…Perhaps it’s because of that simplicity that the story concludes with such a powerful emotional punch.” –Kirkus review
Please tell us about your book.
Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. But in the short time he has left there’s one thing he can do: He can try to help the people he loves live—even though he never will.
Austin Parker is never going to see his eighteenth birthday. At the rate he’s going, he probably won’t even see the end of the year. But in the short time he has left there’s one thing he can do: He can try to help the people he loves live—even though he never will.
What inspired you to write this story?
Watching someone I loved die of cancer opened my eyes. So many people waste their lives away. They’re standing still while the world passes them by. I think it’s important to remind people that you only have one shot at life; you should live it like you mean it.
Watching someone I loved die of cancer opened my eyes. So many people waste their lives away. They’re standing still while the world passes them by. I think it’s important to remind people that you only have one shot at life; you should live it like you mean it.
Could you share with readers how you conducted your research or share a few interesting tidbits you learned while researching?
There wasn’t much research involved since I’d been a first-hand witness to the effects cancer has on the body. However, I did have to look up some of the specific forms of cancer, which I did online. I also visited the Space Needle and EMP, which I’m ashamed to say, having lived here all my life, I’d never been. I revisited the hike at Comet Falls. I hadn’t done it in a few years, and I wanted to get it just right.
There wasn’t much research involved since I’d been a first-hand witness to the effects cancer has on the body. However, I did have to look up some of the specific forms of cancer, which I did online. I also visited the Space Needle and EMP, which I’m ashamed to say, having lived here all my life, I’d never been. I revisited the hike at Comet Falls. I hadn’t done it in a few years, and I wanted to get it just right.
What topics does your book touch upon that would make it a perfect fit for the classroom?
I think Never Eighteen would be a perfect fit for high school classrooms. It explores many issues teens face in this day and age: sexual abuse and confusion, bullying, drinking and drug use, love, loss, and death. The novel also covers music, poetry and literature, which would be perfect for an English class. I think it would spark some interesting conversation and also compel teens to contemplate their future and what’s important in life.
Thank you, Megan, for joining us today!
I think Never Eighteen would be a perfect fit for high school classrooms. It explores many issues teens face in this day and age: sexual abuse and confusion, bullying, drinking and drug use, love, loss, and death. The novel also covers music, poetry and literature, which would be perfect for an English class. I think it would spark some interesting conversation and also compel teens to contemplate their future and what’s important in life.
Thank you, Megan, for joining us today!
Sounds like a powerful book that covers all the issues that sadly, high school kids face today.