From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9?Julie Ellis and football star Luke Muldenhower had everything going for them?popularity, good grades, and love. Then Luke develops Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Shaken to the core, Julie is determined to help him through his chemotherapy and get through this ordeal so their lives can return to normal. Then masses are discovered in his chest and groin area. Soon after he begins radiation therapy, their close relationship begins to deteriorate as Luke pushes Julie away. This novel contains excellent information on cancer treatments and the emotional world of cancer victims and those who love them. The characters are convincing enough to draw readers into the drama and the inevitable conclusions that occur when one is faced with a life-threatening illness. McDaniel shows her literary expertise by humanizing a terrible disease and guiding readers through the whole process of illness. This is a good choice for either bibliotherapy or recreational reading. Just make sure there are tissues nearby.?Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FLCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
The Library of Congress was wise to choose this book for its time capsule. McDaniel brilliantly captures what every mortally ill person, parent, or friend feels at this terrifying and uncertain time. Luke and Julie, both 17, have loved each other most of their lives. When Luke is diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, they must learn to cope. Both McDaniel and Alyssa Bresnahan perfectly capture the hope, fear, and sorrow of everyone involved with Luke (including his football coach and team members). The story is sad, but also believable and realistic. Bresnahan makes the listener feel part of this uncertain journey and its ultimate conclusion. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From Booklist
Gr. 7^-12. Pretty Julie and handsome football star Luke have been "engaged" since sixth grade. The attractive high-school couple's fairy tale world of dances, football games, and bright futures envelopes them like a glittery veil. Then Luke becomes ill, and tests confirm the worst medical suspicions--Hodgkin's lymphoma. The better part of the book is consumed with how the two, their parents, and the school community deal with Luke's critical illness and eventual death. Touching scenes abound in this crisis novel, particularly those of the football team's camaraderie and support. The writing is pure romance style, and the characters, especially Julie, tend to talk and think in simplistic terms. "Right now, there was only Luke," she muses typically early on, vaguely wishing she had something as intense to focus on as he had with football and ignoring her mother's prompting to start thinking about college applications. Fans of tear-jerker teen romances will enjoy this offering. Anne O'Malley

From the Publisher
"The appeal...is similar to that of Love Story...the story has many tender moments."


From the Inside Flap
Julie Ellis and Luke Muldenhower have always been school sweethearts. Now both are in high school and deeply in love. Luke, a talented football player, is almost certain to receive an athletic scholarship to a top college. And no matter what her parents say, wherever Luke goes, Julie intends to follow. When Luke can't shake what he thinks is a virus, Julie persuades him to see a doctor. Luke's test results are alarming, but Julie believes their love is stronger than anything. Can love survive, now and forever?

ANNOTATION

Julie Ellis and Luke Muldenhower believe they are meant to be together always. From the sixth grade through high school, Luke and Julie never lost each other. When Luke can't shake what he thinks is a virus, Julie persuades him to see a doctor. Luke's test results are alarming, but Julie believes the strength of their love will see them through anything. Original.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Julie Ellis and Luke Muldenhower have always been school sweethearts. Now both are in high school and deeply in love. Luke, a talented football player, is almost certain to receive an athletic scholarship to a top college. And no matter what her parents say, wherever Luke goes, Julie intends to follow. When Luke can't shake what he thinks is a virus, Julie persuades him to see a doctor. Luke's test results are alarming, but Julie believes their love is stronger than anything. Can love survive, now and forever?

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-Julie Ellis and football star Luke Muldenhower had everything going for them-popularity, good grades, and love. Then Luke develops Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Shaken to the core, Julie is determined to help him through his chemotherapy and get through this ordeal so their lives can return to normal. Then masses are discovered in his chest and groin area. Soon after he begins radiation therapy, their close relationship begins to deteriorate as Luke pushes Julie away. This novel contains excellent information on cancer treatments and the emotional world of cancer victims and those who love them. The characters are convincing enough to draw readers into the drama and the inevitable conclusions that occur when one is faced with a life-threatening illness. McDaniel shows her literary expertise by humanizing a terrible disease and guiding readers through the whole process of illness. This is a good choice for either bibliotherapy or recreational reading. Just make sure there are tissues nearby.-Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL

BookList - Anne O'Malley