Optimists Die First
Optimists Die First by Susin Nielsen is a reprint edition published by Random House Children’s Books on February 20, 2018. This young adult novel follows sixteen-year-old Petula de Wilde, who has become increasingly withdrawn after a family tragedy. Once a vibrant crafting enthusiast, she now perceives danger in everyday situations, leading her to isolate herself from the world around her.
As the story unfolds, Petula’s life begins to change when Jacob, a new boy with a prosthetic arm, joins her mandatory art therapy class. Their collaboration on a project helps Petula confront her fears and opens her up to new experiences. The narrative explores themes of family, health, and the challenges of adolescence, blending humor with poignant moments as Petula navigates her journey toward healing and connection. This edition contains 256 pages and is presented in English.
Official synopsis Publisher
Award-winning author Susin Nielsen has written a laugh-out-loud and heartrending novel for fans of Robyn Schneider’s Extraordinary Means and Cammie McGovern’s Say What You Will.
Beware: Life ahead.
Sixteen-year-old Petula de Wilde is anything but wild. A former crafting fiend with a happy life, Petula shut herself off from the world after a family tragedy. She sees danger in all the ordinary things, like crossing the street, a bug bite, or a germy handshake. She knows: life is out to get you.
The worst part of her week is her comically lame mandatory art therapy class with a small group of fellow misfits. Then a new boy, Jacob, appears at school and in her therapy group. He seems so normal and confident, though he has a prosthetic arm; and soon he teams up with Petula on a hilarious project, gradually inspiring her to let go of some of her fears. But as the two grow closer, a hidden truth behind why he’s in the group threatens to derail them, unless Petula takes a huge risk. . .
Praise:
Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year
“Nielsen writes with sensitivity, empathy, and humor.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred
“Nielsen excels at depicting troubled, clever teenagers in familiar environments.” —School Library Journal, Starred
“[An] empathic and deeply moving story, balanced by sharply funny narration and dialogue.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred
“A poignant exploration into the nuances of healing.” —Quill and Quire, Starred
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