September 2015 is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The Honest Truth
Dan Gemeinhart, Author
Scholastic Press, Fiction, Jan. 27, 2015
Suitable for Grades: 4 – 7
Pages: 229
Themes: Boy with cancer, Choices, Goals, Self-confidence, Dog, Friendship, Mount Rainier
Opening: “The mountain was calling me. I had to run away. I had to. And, I didn’t need anyone to go with me.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: In all the ways that matter, Mark is a normal kid. He’s got a dog named Beau and a best friend, Jessie. He likes to take photos and write haiku poems in his notebook. He dreams of climbing a mountain one day. But, in one important way, Mark is not like other kids at all. Mark is sick. The kind of sick that means hospitals. And treatments. The kind of sick some people never get better from. So Mark runs away. He leaves home with his camera, his notebook, his dog, and a plan. A plan to reach the top of Mount Rainier. Even if it’s the last thing he ever does.
Why I like The Honest Truth:
Debut author Dan Gemeinhart has written a powerful and inspiring novel about a 12-year-old boy who has cancer. Mark’s dealt with chemo treatments since he was five years old. His options are running out. He’s angry. He’s lost. His parents and doctors are making decisions for him. Mark feels out of control and wants to make some choices about his life — and that may include how he dies. He confides his pain and secrets to his best friend, Jessie.
The setting is realistic to the Pacific Northwest and the unpredictable weather. The theme is raw and honest. The plot is fraught with danger and obstacles. Mark runs away with his dog, Beau, and embarks upon a journey to climb the summit of Mount Rainier — a dream he can focus on. His choice may seem selfish because of the pain and worry he causes his parents. He also creates a dilemma for his friend, Jessie –does she tell his parents or keep his secret. And he puts his dog and himself at risk during a dangerous snowstorm on the mountain.
Mark, Jessie and Beau are memorable characters. Beau is devoted and protective of Mark. The alternating chapters, with Jessie’s occasional half chapters, works well. You hear about Mark’s parents anxiety and pain through Jessie. But, you experience Jessie’s struggle to interpret what Mark wants her to do. Does she share her suspicions with his parents or honor her friend’s request.
It took Gemeinhart guts to write a book with such depth. It is a tough book to review, even though it grabbed me from the first page. Mark grapples with life and death questions as he works through anger and fear. Which will he choose? The Honest Truth will make readers think. It is an excellent classroom discussion book for teens.
Thank you Greg Pattridge! I won The Honest Truth in a giveaway on Greg’s website, Always in the Middle.
Children's Books Heal 
Wow! A tough book to write as well, I´m sure. This sounds like a powerful middle reader book. A great title!
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It had to be a tough book to write. It took him many years. I liked the novel a lot because it is so honest.
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As Darlene said above, this must have been a tough book to write. It reminded me of John Greene’s Fault in Our Stars.
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It is an edgier book like the Fault in Our Stars which was for YA readers. This book walks a fine line and I think tweens around the sixth-seventh grade would benefit most.
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Ooh that foes sound gripping, Pat. Thanks for sharing.
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It is gripping and powwerful.
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Hi Pat, Can I please link up this post to my list of cancer books for kids that is posting soon? I would credit and link back to you, of course. Thanks! Mia
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Yes, you may. It’s a more gripping and a complex story. Very different from the PB I reviewed Friday. I have PBs and MGs on cancer I’ve reviewed that are great! I included them in my message to you Friday. Look in my comments section.
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This is one of those gut-wrenching books that I find hard to read despite knowing that it is well-written (and probably cathartic for kids dealing cancer to read). I’m glad the author tackled this difficult topic and wrote a valuable book.
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I know these kinds of books are hard for you to read. But, this one is edgy and raises many questions for teens to discuss with parents and teachers.
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I keep thinking that maybe post menopause, I won’t be so emotional, but somehow, I think I’ll still be a soft, weepy mess. :}
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You’ll have quite a wait. Think it is who you are. You are compassionate feel things deeply. 🙂
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Aww, thanks, Pat! ❤
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It sounds an excellent read for tweens. I love raw and edgy novels like these.
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I know you’d appreciate this book. I loved how the protagonist wanted was to make some of his own choices, which many may have trouble with. But, it is a very well written novel and edgy.
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Your review was so gripping, I can just imagine how compelling the book would be to read. Tough topic.
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It is a tough topic, but one that has many ramifications! It is not your typical book for kids with cancer. Parents may want to check it out according to the maturity of their teens.
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This is a really difficult subject. What a powerful plot. I am not sure that this would be a subject that most well children would choose to read, but I am certain it would make a great subject for the classroom. Very brave.
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It is a powerful plot. I’m pleased that the author went into so much depth. You really understand the books title. It is a brave story!
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This sounds like a powerful book. I think I would like it.
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I think you’d like the book too. It is a very different story.
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Wow, what a tough story to write. I can imagine how difficult it must have been to read it. But these tough tales are usually the best and the most thought provoking. I would get very emotional reading this book. I hope loads of kids get the chance to read this.
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It wasn’t difficult to read, just brutally honest. I was thoroughly fascinated with this realistic novel and enjoyed the author’s style. So much for kids to discuss.
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Sounds like a challenging story to read. An emotional, hard look at reality some kids face. I think it would cultivate compassion in young readers.
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I believe it would cultivate compassion in kids and adults. Although it was hard on a family who is desperate trying to keep their child alive. But, at some point when do ask the child what he wants. This is such a great discussion book for kids and families.
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