Caleb and Kit was a beautiful story about how having a "disability" is not always to be seen in that light, rather the story focuses on friendships and the importance of being kind and understanding one another. In a story where a lot of my students will be able to relate to the parents divorce and Dad's new family, I found myself loving Caleb and wanting so badly to lift him up positively. The inferencing that students will have to do to understand Kit, her behavior, and her mom's behavior will be a good talking point in understanding why characters do the things that they do.
Highly recommend for middle grades.

A perfect middle grade read that tweens will be instantly able to relate to.

Thank you to Running Press Books for a finished copy of this book for review purposes!

Vrabel takes a topic that most people are unfamiliar with - cystic fibrosis - and weaves it into a tale of friendship and family that will instantly find a place in the hearts of adult and middle grade readers alike. Caleb, as a boy with cystic fibrosis, is still written as a middle school boy, rather than "a kid with an illness." He does middle school boy stuff and deals with his condition with typical 12 year old maturity. The info given about CF is shared in an age-appropriate way, and includes details that might read as “gross” but are real parts of the condition and will be so relatable to this age group. There are poignant themes of friendship, family, divorce, and growing up that will make you wish you could know Caleb in real life……..and swoop Kit up to give her a hug.

Highly recommended purchase for middle grade classrooms and libraries.

This is great read for middle grade students. Beth Vrabel does a fine job of creating characters in that age group and their issues. Caleb and Kit are well thought out and portrayed characters. Very realistic. I haven't encountered any stories that deal with cystic fibrosis as well as this one did. It covers the disease without shoving it in your face like some stories with diseases or handicaps do; well handled and just part of the story. There's more than enough intrigue in the story to entice even reluctant readers I'm betting and think it would make a fine summer vacation read.

I'm not sure how I missed this one. It's such a sad, sweet story of childhood and challenge and friendship and so many other things. Caleb has never known life without the struggle that is cystic fibrosis. To him, it's just who he is. His mother, however, harbors different thoughts. To her, Caleb is someone to be protected and sheltered because of his fragility. At some point, though, he decides that he's old enough to make his own decisions. And those decisions are not without consequences. Such a great story with a memorable leading character!

This is a beautiful story of growth and friendship. Both battling different fights, Caleb and Kit step a little outside of the world in their heads to kindle what seemed to be an 'accidental' friendship that begins in the woods.

Vrabel does a great job of developing the characters, even Caleb's father (who I initially thought was self-centered), although I found it a challenge to see Kit's growth beyond her brokenness. The concept that trees that are friends grow away from each other was wonderfully illustrated in this book.

I picked up this book because the main character has Cystic Fibrosis. My first impression was Kit seemed a bit like the girl in Bridge to Teribithia. She was imaginative, and Caleb took to imaginative play with her. I wasn’t sure what to think of Caleb after awhile. Nor Kit. Neither were being honest, and I didn’t care for Calebs attitude, even though I understood it knowing even a small portion of the CF care routine. During this time I didn’t care for the book. But then at the end, I cried. This is a book about family and friendship, and was a wonderful read.

I received an ARC from the publisher.

I loved this!!! The children are written with such depth and character that it makes you wish you could pull them out of the pages of the book and shelter them. Kit is myself written at that age, life isn't what you want or need but with the power of imagination you can make life better (for awhile).
Having them meet at a time when Caleb was trying to assert his place in life was wonderfully done! A powerful story for Juv/Ya readers about self, love and the power of friendship!
This was read as an ARC through netgalley.com.

I immersed myself into this beautiful story and was left reaching for the tissues. It is about a friendship so deep between two where an illness that demands order, found "freedom"in moments of adventure and happiness like nothing ever experienced before. This is the story of Caleb and Kit - one defined by disorder, the other with a contagious zest for life.

This book, while fictions gives the reader insight into the realities of Cystic-Fibrosis and how this disorder of the lungs can be the most controlling aspect of your life. I appreciate books bringing disorders like this alive through the written word because children and teens are not often aware of such things and what it means to live with it. I like that we seen an over protective mum because I believe there would be many mamma's in this situation that would be the same - life would seem that little more fragile.

This easy to read book is easy to read and would be good for tween's and over. For the younger tween's reading with a parent would be good to discuss any issues of concern. I recommend this book.

This is not the first "coping with a serious illness" book that I've read and it doesn't particularly distinguish itself from the pack. Caleb is relatable but not particularly likeable. The plot is somewhat harsh for the target audience.

Kit says they were destined to be friends. Caleb says he was just taking a walk. Regardless of whether it was destiny or chance, Caleb and Kit met one day in the wood's behind Caleb's house and started a magical friendship that lasted the summer and helped both of escape their reality, even if it was only temporary.

Caleb has Cystic Fibrosis. The book lays it out well - more so than other books I have read. Caleb's disease affects his home life - his brother and mother are very protective, his dad couldn't deal with it so he left. It also affects his friendships, his confidence, the way he treats others. Kit seems like a breath of fresh air as she tells Caleb to just do what he wants which includes skipping out on camp everyday to hang out with Kit. But slowly Caleb realizes that Kit is hiding a terrible secret. Can their friendship survive Caleb's disease, Kit's secret, and the truth?

I really enjoyed this. I wish there had been a bit more about the time Caleb and Kit spent together though. The story really focused more on Caleb and his attempt at a bit of freedom.

This book took me on such a great journey. When I wasn't reading, I found myself thinking about Caleb and Kit, excited to get back to their world. The family relationships are wonderfully complicated and believable. I fell in love with them all. Being a mother myself, I especially felt a connection to Caleb's mother. I learned a lot about cystic fibrosis in a way that didn't feel forced. It came in the natural flow of the story. I also learned about crows, trees, and fairy folklore! There is just so much to experience here.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book (all opinions are my own).

12-year-old Caleb has the challenges of many teenagers. He's growing apart from his best friend, Brad. He has a hot shot big brother. His dad is unreliable and has a girlfriend that isn't interested in the kids from his previous family. He has an overprotective mother who won't let him do anything fun. But he's also living with cystic fibrosis, a disease that makes it difficult for him to act and do the things that normal teenagers do. When Caleb meets Kit, he finally finds the adventure he's been looking for, and with someone who doesn't know he's sick. As the two spend time together and their friendship grows, they learn that being a good friend means making hard choices about which secrets to keep, and which to share.

I thought this was an really great book of realistic fiction with a character that faces challenges many younger readers would not be familiar with. It explores the reality of living with cystic fibrosis at a time in life when many young teenagers are trying to push limits and rebel, and shows that Caleb is no different in what he wants. The friendship between Caleb and Kit made me sad as it felt superficial, and although I think it's very much in keep many early middle grade friendships, I wanted there to be more depth between these two (that isn't a fault of the writing, though, just my own feeling that made it 4 stars instead of 5).

I think this is an important book not only because it looks at cystic fibrosis, which needs more visible characters in middle grade fiction, but because of the issues of testing limits, keeping secrets, independence, and addressing big issues that many middle schoolers are facing for the first time.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I think any middle school aged child and older would enjoy the book. The story reads at a steady pace, never any dull moments. I like the book cover. It draws your eye, appearing almost mystical and promises adventure.

The story is full of adventure, new experiences and building new friendships. The characters are well developed and I found them believable, even if they're not your “normal” “healthy-happy” always “safe and secure” children. Maybe that made them even more realistic. The only character who was a bit over the “believable” scale was Ava, the young teenager who thinks she can learn EVERYTHING over night and become an expert on the subject. BUT, yeah, we all know those young teens just like her. [LOL]. And she was an optimistic and positive character in the plot, so I guess, kudos for including her in the story.

The book offers many teaching and learning experiences for the young reader.

Caleb, the story's main character, is a 12 year old boy with Cystic Fibrosis. The medical condition makes him smaller and weaker than other kids his age. Caleb also has many symptoms and daily medical treatment requirements due to his medical condition. Caleb keeps a positive outlook concerning his condition throughout the story. The book does an excellent job of portraying how this illness manifests in children and the author is able to do so in a child appropriate way. The book touches very lightly on bullying, giving a few glimpses of Caleb's school classmates bullying him. It touched my heart and hopefully will open the eyes, touch the hearts of child readers, so they will see just how emotionally hurtful bullying is.

The story follows Caleb through summer school break. His mother enrolls him in a summer day camp, but due to his size, the young teenager camp leader (Ava) places him with the 4th grade age group children. Caleb finds this very embarrassing, yet at the same time, he knows that he is not physically able to join the children his own age.

One day after camp, Caleb takes a walk in the woods beside his house. He meets a girl, Kit, who is sitting on a rock in the middle of a shallow stream. They become instant friends and Caleb starts skipping summer camp. Caleb and Kit spend every day exploring the stream and wooded area between their 2 houses. Kit is not like any of his other friends. She has very active imagination and she has Caleb practically under her spell from the start. For Caleb and Kit the summer is full of make believe and one fairy tale adventure after the other. What Caleb likes best is that Kit, even though she notices the differences in Caleb due to his daily symptoms of his medical condition – Kit accepts him without any questions. Eventually Caleb does notice that things with Kit are not exactly what they seem, or what she says. Caleb has to make several difficult decisions.

This was a great book. It would be an excellent addition to any home or school library.

Can I give 4 thumbs up to author Beth Vrabel for successfully tackling this tough subject.

Thank you to the author and netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review will be posted on netgalley, goodreads and moonshineartspot.blogspot.com

Caleb and Kit is the story of two unexpected friends who meet in the woods behind Caleb’s house one summer afternoon. Caleb is a practical & stubborn twelve-year-old, while Kit is nothing short of magical. But their differences are what makes their friendship so unique and wonderful.

Caleb has cystic fibrosis – a genetic disease that knew very little about before reading Caleb’s story. Vrabel does an incredible job showing others what daily life is like for Caleb and his disease and also what life is like for his family members, who played a huge part in this story.

The characters are so unique and I fell into their world! They are real, dynamic people who overcome obstacles and grow as the story moves along. It is not just about Caleb and Kit – it’s about all the people in their lives and how these people fit together. Vrabel is so good at bringing to life this age group in her writing. I felt that the characters were really shining through.

A sweet book about love and friendship that I very much enjoyed. I thought it was well written and well plotted and that the story itself was compelling. A lovely story for younger readers as well as adults!

Caleb is dreading his summer at camp where most of the kids are much younger than he is. But his mom won't let him stay at home by himself because he has cystic fibrosis. To get away from things Caleb takes a walk in the woods behind his house and meets Kit. Everything about Kit seems magical and best of all she doesn't know he is sick. Caleb can just be normal with her. Soon Caleb is skipping camp and spending all his days with Kit in the woods. But things aren't as good as they seem. Caleb starts questioning Kit's home life. Kit claims her mom is touched by the fairies and that is why she doesn't have a job or take her medication. Kit doesn't always have much to eat and seems to wear the same clothes for days. But life in the woods is magical as Kit and Caleb embark on adventures in the world of the fey.

All good things must come to an end however and Caleb is eventually found out. He has a pretty serious medical regime he must adhere to in order to remain well. And he has to eat a lot because his body does not absorb nutrients correctly. Spending his days in the woods, sharing his meals with Kit really does him no good. It also doesn't help that Caleb has developed a serious attitude problem with his mom, brother Patrick, and dad. Mom and Patrick are nothing but supportive of Caleb even though he treats them very poorly. Dad split a couple of years ago and now lives with a much younger girlfriend. They are starting their own family and don't seem to appreciate how hard things are for Caleb. Caleb's resentment of those around him and his lying about what he is doing during the day come to a head when Caleb gets sick. He has to face up to what he has been doing to himself and those around him.

I think Beth Vrabel just gets better with each book. Caleb and Kit was a magical journey just without the actual magic. I loved the fact that we learned a lot about cystic fibrosis without this being a book about cystic fibrosis. Caleb and his family just have different routines than everyone else and have to deal with things a bit differently. That doesn't mean Caleb isn't a typical twelve-year-old going through all the things kids that age go through. He is moody and mean and resentful of those that love him, basically every teenager ever. Kit's story is a bit sadder as we learn just how wrong her home life is. But in the end this is a story about friendship and magic and appreciating those around you. I loved it!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this book.

This is a story that is much needed in our modern world: one of compassion, one of friendship, and one which explores topics that may be uncomfortable or difficult to talk about. Caleb is a disabled young man with cystic fibrosis, a disease which is killing him every day. He is befriended by Kit, who teaches him that he is not defined by his illness. This is a must read for children and adults alike. I highly recommend it!

What a great book. Not knowing much about cystic fibrosis this was an eye opener. It was interesting to read and written in a way that a young adult would understand. Caleb is an angry young man but you soon learn why and end up feeling for him. The character of Kit is that of a mixed up and confused young lady - could almost be 2 books. An enjoyable read.

This is a must read for children and adults and even better as a family or class reader. Caleb and Kit tells the story of a young boy with cystic fibrosis who dreams of being like other children his age. I think all children just want to fit in at that age, but for Kit his physical challenges make a 'normal' life (whatever that its?) seem that little further away. As a reader who has a disability I have to say Vrabel tackles this subject with empathy without being patronising or over-sentimentalising Caleb's condition.

Caleb's relationship with Kit also brings unique challenges and Caleb becomes a hero in his world.

A fantastic read, I will certainly be recommending this to parents.

4.5 Stars

Caleb, a twelve-year old with cystic fibrosis, finds himself at the cusp of adolescence, a very frustrating time for any child, let alone one with a serious life-limiting disease. Struggling between longing for more independence and his need for family assistance and a regimented lifestyle dictated by his health management, Caleb is chafed by his medical condition, and longs for fewer restrictions on his activities. Caleb meets Kit, a young girl living in sketchy circumstances, one day while walking near the river in the woods behind his house. Kit bears her own burdens, which will be revealed over the course of the book. She seizes upon a potential friendship with Caleb as something fated to be.

One of the things that I liked best about this book is that Caleb is not portrayed as a poor, sick child but as a three dimensional person on the cusp of great changes. He is angry and frustrated and proud. Kit, ethereal, scattered, wounded, was a character that I never quite warmed to, in spite of feeling the growing desperation of her situation. Her agitation drove her to be irresponsible and even unlikable at times. She perfectly encapsulates the angry depression of tweens, as her own mental health begins to be unhinged by her tenuous situation.

This book shows the changes and challenges in middle school friendships and skillfully develops a plot where children question whether their friends are good for them and whether they are true friend in return. Real friends give each other what they need. Sometimes that's a quiet and gentle end to a friendship, and other times it's doing the hard thing to be sure your friend is safe and well, even if that risks bringing about an ending. Because those conditions that make a child safe and well may not always be brought about in the way a young person envisioned them.

The only part of this book that I struggled with was the overt immaturity of Caleb's father. Although Vrabel developed a degree of backstory for his about face on caring for his son, I felt it wasn't developed enough to explain the marked degree of change and the resentment the character appeared to show. The timeline of his character arc just felt all wrong, as, if he was going to be so immature and helpless, he would have left them much earlier. His behavior and that of his girlfriend with Caleb were almost unbelievable to me.