Things We Know By Heart

Gr 8 Up—Junior Quinn Sullivan finds it hard to forget the night that her life changed in an instant when her boyfriend, Trent, was killed in a car accident. Healthy and only 17, his organs were donated to five different people. After 282 days and several written letters, Quinn meets the recipients of Trent's organs—all but one of them. Who received Trent's heart and why didn't that person come forward? Quinn needs to know and begins combing websites looking for clues. She eventually finds the receiver, Colton Thomas, and sets out to meet him in person. The love story that follows will hook readers—especially those who enjoyed John Green's The Fault in Our Stars (Dutton, 2012). The author has created believable and likable characters who will remind readers to seize the moment and live each day to the fullest. Each chapter is introduced by a fact, quote, or statistic about the heart. The writing is easy to follow yet rhythmic and honest. The one romantic scene is dealt with delicately; sex happens off the page. Kirby brings attention to the importance of organ donation without sounding preachy.