“The world is not a wish granting factory”
Author: John Green
Grade Level: 8-12
Lexile: 850
What’s the point in really living when you know you’ll die soon? That’s the mindset Hazel Grace followed; especially when it came to meeting new people. Why make one more person devastated over my death? Hazel Grace is not alone. Many cancer patients prefer to live quietly and focus on things they can control, like their studies, video games, and in Hazel’s case, reading.
Although Hazel liked to be alone, her parents try to get her out whenever possible. She enrolled at the community college at only 16 and participated in the Cancer Kid Support Group once a week. Although the group’s usually a drag, it’s where this story really began.
Sometimes you need someone to really get you living again. And that’s what Augustus Waters did for Hazel when he walked into CKSG. From the first day forward the two of them grew a friendship, which turned into a relationship, that would be hard to forget. This novel focuses on what it’s really like being a cancer kid, and how it’s not having the illness that sucks, what sucks is what the illness takes away.
What I Liked: I loved how this novel takes into account all of your emotions. I’d be laughing, crying, and reflecting all within the same page. This book gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of all those young people that are currently going through the same things as Hazel as well. There’s more to a “cancer kid” than cancer. A lesson many of us still need to figure out.
What Could Have Been Better: The reading level is perfect for middle grades. The plot is perfect for middle grades. The messages/themes are perfect for middle grades. BUT there are a few scenes that are just not age appropriate! I wish Green would make a censored version for that purpose! Although, I’d love to pass this book on to future classrooms, I just don’t feel comfortable recommending it below the high school level. If you’re in high school or older, get your hands on this book!!
Who Should Read This Book: As I said above, make sure you’re ready for this content. If not, see if a parent or older friend will read it with you. It’s not the language that’s difficult, it’s content. This is a phenomenal book and deserves to be shared with many, but wait until you’re in high school! …then go ahead and grab it.
Stumped Students' Bookshelf 
Read the book this summer, and keep recommending it to others. You might want to also check Green’s Looking for Alaska.
Great! Thank you. I definitely want to read other books by Green after reading this one! Thanks for the comment.