BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, I'LL BE DEAD by Julie Anne Peters


Daelyn has been bullied for as long as she can remember: teased for being overweight, tormented by boys at school, made fun of in cyber space, ignored by adults, sent to fat camp by her well-meaning parents. When she finds "Through The Light," a website for suicide 'completers,' she signs up and the 15-day countdown begins. She's sitting on HER bench, waiting for her mom to pick her up, when Santana shows up. He's strange, funny, and determined to get to know Daelyn, who is less than amused. This is a quick read and a solid study of what goes through a young person's mind once they have made the decision to commit suicide. Daelyn reveals herself and her self-hatred slowly through flashbacks and posts on the TTL website, and Peters doesn't offer a tidy ending. This title is an excellent choice for book groups. Discussion guide included. Nominated for the Teen's Top 10 2010. Click here for the official book trailer.
Grade 7+

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