Ways to Live Forever

Parents should reach for this book when their child is beginning to ask profound, difficult questions about mortality, or when the family is navigating the reality of a life-limiting illness. Written as a scrapbook-style diary by eleven-year-old Sam, who has leukemia, the story offers a remarkably candid and even humorous window into a child's perspective on the end of life. It avoids sentimentality in favor of honest curiosity, making it an invaluable tool for families who want to demystify medical processes and validate a child's need for agency. While the subject matter is heavy, the book is ultimately about the vitality of the present moment. Sam and his friend Felix create lists of things they want to do (like breaking a world record or seeing an adult movie) which keeps the tone grounded in the relatable desires of middle-school boys. It is appropriate for children aged 9 to 13, providing a safe, secular space to explore the 'why' of illness without being clinical or overly frightening. Choosing this book allows parents to open a door to conversations that are often silenced by fear.