Fade Into the Bright by Alyssa Schwartz, Jessica Koosed Etting
Published by Delacorte Press on April 27, 2021
ISBN: 0593174917
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Fade into the Bright is an emotional and romantic story of a future clouded by a serious medication diagnosis.  This is a story of two sisters who have a 50/50 possibility of developing a debilitating disease and how it alters their futures.   Sad yet hopeful, the story builds on expected depression, hostility toward a parent who abandoned the sisters, and an honest look at genetic testing.  Fiction at it’s best builds on reality and brings characters to life; this book invites readers to Catalina Island to experience Abby’s summer in a true coming of age story.

Many other stories deal with disease and some with death but this is new.  Etting and Schwartz explore what it is like to learn about your end-of-life prognosis while living a healthy teen existence.  The story is told with compassion for both sisters.  Romance develops and helps to reveal just how human the characters are.   Add this realistic fiction title to public library collections for grade 8-10 and recommended for media centers.  All librarians will hope that none of their patrons will ever have to endure such a future.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME