For teenagers navigating the complex social world of junior high, this series explores relatable challenges and growth, helping readers feel understood.
A parent might reach for this book when their family is confronting a serious illness and they want to help their teen process complex emotions. Based on the beloved Degrassi character, 'Snake' tells the story of teacher Archie Simpson after he is diagnosed with leukemia. The novel explores his difficult journey through treatment, the strain it puts on his family (including his stepdaughter, Emma), and the controversial choices he makes to manage his symptoms, such as using medical marijuana. For teens 13-16, this book provides a powerful, empathetic look at how illness impacts an entire family. It opens the door for conversations about vulnerability, morality, and finding strength in community during a crisis.
The book deals directly and realistically with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The approach is secular and focuses on the medical and emotional aspects. It also directly addresses medical marijuana use, portraying it with nuance: it's a source of relief for Snake but also a cause of significant professional and personal conflict. The resolution is realistic and hopeful; Snake's cancer goes into remission, but the story acknowledges that the experience has changed him and his family forever.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a teen, aged 14-16, who is either personally dealing with a serious illness in their family or is mature enough to be interested in stories about adult vulnerability and complex moral choices. It's particularly good for a teen who needs to see that fear and anger are normal responses to a loved one's sickness.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the realities of cancer and chemotherapy. More specifically, they should be ready for a nuanced conversation about medical marijuana, as the book doesn't present it as a simple right-or-wrong issue. The book can be read cold, but the topics are serious and will likely spark questions. A parent has learned that a close family member or a friend's parent has been diagnosed with cancer. Their teen is either withdrawing, acting out, or asking difficult questions, and the parent is looking for a story to help them process the situation and build empathy.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with Emma's perspective, focusing on the fear, confusion, and anger of watching a parent figure go through a health crisis. An older teen (15-16) is more likely to appreciate the complex adult dilemmas: the marital strain, the ethical conflict of Snake's job, and the shades of gray in his decisions.
What Makes It Special
While many teen novels deal with illness, this one is unique because the central patient is a parent figure, not a peer. This shifts the perspective, forcing the teen reader to empathize with the adults in their lives and understand the wide-reaching impact of a health crisis on a whole family system. It provides a rare and valuable viewpoint.
Read plot summary
This novel, part of the Degrassi series, focuses on the adult character Archie "Snake" Simpson, a popular teacher. The story begins when he is diagnosed with leukemia. The plot follows his experiences with chemotherapy, the physical and emotional toll of the treatment, and the impact on his wife Spike and stepdaughter Emma. A central conflict arises when Snake begins using medical marijuana to cope with the side effects, a decision that puts his job at risk and creates tension within his family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Snake risks his teaching career by using medical marijuana. Do you think his choice was justified? What other options did he have?
2
Emma reacts to Snake's illness with anger and by acting out. Why do you think people sometimes respond to fear and sadness with anger?
3
At the end of the book, Snake's cancer is in remission, but things are not 'back to normal'. In what ways do you think the family has been permanently changed by this experience?
4
Principal Raditch is in a difficult position regarding Snake's choices. Did you agree with how he handled the situation? What would you have done if you were the principal?
