If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Forman, Gayle. (2009). If I Stay. NY: Dutton Juvenile.
ISBN: 978-0525421030
Awards/Honors: ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2010)
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2010)
Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults (2010)
South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominee (2010-2011)
Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Death, Grief, Music, Love, Family, Finding Hope, Car Accident
Annotation: Mia lies in a coma after a horrific car accident that kills her parents and younger brother. She knows that it is up to her whether she lives or dies. Mia's life was wonderful, but can it still be?
Summary: This is the story of Mia, a young girl shaped by music and the cello she plays so well, as she struggles with the choice to live or die. After a horrific car accident that kills her parents and younger brother, Mia remains alive, but is outside her body and able to see and hear what is going on. As her physical body lies in a coma, Mia reflects on her life, weighing the benefits of staying with those of going. Brought into the picture are her best friend, her boyfriend, grandparents, and other family members and friends. Everything these people do and say affect Mia’s choice and how she feels.
Evaluation: Mia is a smart, talented girl and as she reflects on her life with honest feeling we are easily carried along. The backbone of this story is terribly sad, but the flashbacks forever remind us of the joy in Mia’s life.