Turtle Boy

A boy who has spent his life living inside a shell discovers the importance of taking chance in this winner (Booklist, starred review) of a friendship story that´s perfect for fans of Wonder. Seventh grade is not going well for Will Levine. Kids at school bully him because of his funny-looking chin. And for his bar mitzvah community service project, he´s forced to go to the hospital to visit RJ, an older boy struggling with an incurable disease. At first, the boys don´t get along, but then RJ shares his bucket list with Will. Among the things he wants to do: ride a roller coaster; go to a school dance; swim in the ocean. To Will, happiness is hanging out in his room, alone, preferably with the turtles he collects. But as RJ´s disease worsens, Will realizes he needs to tackle the bucket list on his new friend´s behalf before it´s too late. It seems like an impossible mission, way outside Will´s comfort zone. But as he completes each task with RJ´s guidance, Will learns that life is too short to live in a shell.