This is a book about friendship, growing, and moving forward. It had a miss or no communication trope that I did not enjoy. Those things always seem so fixable but in reality are very complicated. The voices were distinct and overall it was a good read.

Such an interesting concept. Totally something I'd recommend to my students.

Grades 9 - 12: Have the Kleenex handy for this book that features three unforgettable characters: Moira, Boone, and Agnes. For Agnes, turning sixteen is a miracle. Progeria is causing her body to age prematurely. Moira is her best friend and protector, and has been for years. Moira is as tough as Agnes is fragile. Her large frame and prickly personality make Moira the perfect bodyguard, but also a target for bullying. Rounding out the threesome is Boone. Boone has had to become an adult too early. After the death of his father and the emotional implosion of his mother, Boone is struggling to keep his mother's horse and their household together in any way he can. Boone has also harbored a secret crush on Moira for years. The three are suddenly reunited in the cafeteria when Moira is shoved into Boone, and thus begins the countdown of 100 days. Astute readers will realize that the countdown is leading up to Agnes's death. McInnes does a beautiful job of portraying students with disabilities with dignity and respect. The stories of each of the characters are poignant, and I found myself tearing up a couple of different times. Moira's sudden epiphany about her body is a too rushed to be realistic, but readers are likely to forgive McInnes that trespass. On balance, this is a book that is nearly as compelling as John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars." Verdict: Short chapters, great characters, and a wonderful story will appeal to fans of realistic fiction with a hint of romance.
Curricular Use: This is a title that could be tied to research about genetic disorders. It could also be used with the Washington State Health Standards specifically: Demonstrate strategies to prevent, manage, or resolve interpersonal conflicts without harming self or others (H4.W5.HS), Predict potential short- and long-term outcomes of a personal health-related decision (H5.W6.HS), Assess self-esteem and determine its impact on personal dimensions of health (H1.So1.HSa), Identify physical and psychological responses to stressors (H1.So3.HS), Summarize strategies for coping with difficult emotions, including defense mechanisms (H1.So4.HS), Analyze strategies to prevent and respond to different types of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (H1.So5.HS). This title also presents opportunities to analyze the author's decision to craft the book in short chapters in order to lead up to the climax (RL.5) as well as her realism in character development (RL.3).

A terrific read in the spirit of John Green and Rainbow Rowell.

Three 15 year olds should be facing the normal perils of teenage life but instead are forced to deal with situations far beyond the realm of "normal".

McCinnes does an excellent job of giving each teen their own unique voice and presenting their specific perspectives on the scenarios presented. Dialogue was also true to life and I felt that I could "hear" each character's voice.

A warning to readers: keep the Kleenex nearby - you will need it!

I really liked this book. It was so touching and, in my opinion, read like the honest and sincere portrayal of young teens facing serious issues in life. These characters seemed so realistic and I really appreciated how their characters were developed in that same vein.

I do feel like it is easy to pull at the emotional strings with "Sick Lit" and this book very effectively does that. But I was very drawn into the story and its' emotional tornado; I connected with Moira and Agnes's friendship and appreciated the friendship that they built with Boone. Overall, I'd definitely suggest it to my teen patrons, with the forewarning that it's an emotional read.

Agnes doesn’t know it, but her days are numbered. Born with the rare condition of Progeria, she has aged at a faster rate then most kids her age of 16, and is nearing the end of her life.

Moira has been Agnes’s only friend and protector since elementary school. She hides behind her goth makeup and clothing and stands up against bullies.

Boone was once the girls friend, but betrayed them a long time ago; something Moira can’t ever forgive.

An unexpected event brings the trio together, as they form new connections, putting Moira and Agnes’s friendship to the test.

4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very interesting topic - progeria, and how it affects those that have the disease. I love the friendship between Agnes and Moira and Boone and the ins and outs of how they were great friends, then they weren't, and then they were. Strong character development.