We Are Not Alone
We Are Not Alone by Katryn Bury is a middle grade novel published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2024, featuring 320 pages in English. This story follows Sam, a recent cancer survivor, as he navigates the complexities of middle school life after the loss of his best friend, Oscar. In an unexpected pairing for a history project, Sam finds himself working with Cat, a popular girl at school. Together, they embark on a quest to uncover the truth about alien life, honoring Oscar’s final wishes while grappling with their own personal challenges.
Readers will find a narrative that explores themes of friendship, grief, and the journey of coming of age. As Sam and Cat bond over their shared interest in UFOs, the story delves into the difficulties of opening up about past traumas and the fear of vulnerability. The book addresses social themes relevant to adolescence, including the impact of illness and the importance of connection during challenging times. Through Sam’s experiences, We Are Not Alone presents a thoughtful reflection on the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.
Official synopsis Publisher
From award-winning author Katryn Bury of the Drew Leclair series, this hopeful coming-of-age middle grade novel follows the unlikely friendship between Sam, a recent cancer survivor, and a popular girl at school as they come together on a quest to uncover the truth about alien life in honor of Sam’s best friend’s final wishes. This powerful story of friendship and grief is a gentle reminder that we are never alone in the universe.
Sam Kepler Greyson doesn’t want to be the “cancer kid.” After losing his best friend and fellow UFO enthusiast, Oscar, to brain cancer, Sam wants to focus on anything but his own cancer–maybe even a normal year of middle school.
But whispers in the halls and lingering grief over Oscar make Sam’s return much harder. To make matters worse, he is paired with popular girl Cat for a history project. Between Cat’s icy attitude and troubling rumors that Sam lied about having cancer, nothing seems to be going well.
Things start to look up when Cat and Sam unexpectedly bond over the UFO obsession he once shared with Oscar–but Sam isn’t sure he’s ready to open up to someone again. With the chance for a fresh start within reach, he worries that coming clean about his illness will only make Cat pity him. Hiding the truth also helps Sam avoid the biggest worry of all: What if his cancer comes back?
“Bury writes about grief and being a survivor with honesty and humor in this captivating mystery that explores friendship and the power of believing.” –Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, New York Times bestselling author of the Book Scavenger series and Sisterhood of Sleuths
“Katryn Bury is a master of middle grade voice. A powerful, heartfelt exploration of loss, grief, and friendship. I absolutely loved it.” –Micahel Leali, award-winning author of The Civil War of Amos Abernathy and Matteo
“A beautiful and original exploration of friendship and its power to make us more than just the sum of our parts. Funny, tender, and insightful, Sam’s voice will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.” –Ali Standish, award-winning author of The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall
“Bury expertly balances humor and heartache as Sam’s story explores grief, new friendships, and starting over, but it also celebrates enticing mysteries of the unknown in a way that is sure to engage readers. A quietly powerful novel.” –A. J. Sass, award-winning author of Ellen Outside the Lines and Ana on the Edge
“A moving, humorous exploration of friendship and trust.” –Kirkus Reviews
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