Sugar Crash - (Orca Soundings) by Melinda Di Lorenzo (Paperback)

About the Book

In this high-interest accessible novel for teen readers, diabetic teen Zoe Harmon races against time and low insulin when she and a classmate have a car accident on a remote mountain road.

Book Synopsis

Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, how would you survive?

A: I wouldn't.

Zoe Harmon doesn't remember what life was like before she had type one diabetes. Her insulin pump feels like a body part now--just one she has to think about a little more than she thinks about her kidneys or her liver. Yeah, it's annoying sometimes, but it sure beats being dead. When she begrudgingly accepts a ride to a school camp from her former best friend, Vic Niels, a crash sends them flying off a remote mountain road. Stranded without her phone or insulin, Zoe is forced to team up with Vic in order to save her own life. And his. Twenty-four hours stuck with Vic? Fine. But twenty-four hours without insulin? This could get deadly.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don't like to read!

Review Quotes

"With compact, plot-driven chapters and realistic tee dialogue geared toward reluctant readers, this thrilling survival story has Zoe facing one calamity after another. As someone living with Type 1 diabetes, Di Lorenzo lends an authentic voice, providing ample information about navigating an invisible disability while also tackling topics such as mixed feelings over the loss of friendship and the rekindling of romantic feelings. A highly engaging, nail-biting adventure with much-needed representation and a touch of romance."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"A broad spectrum of plots to be sure! There is a story for almost any taste in this varied selection."-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

About the Author

Melinda Di Lorenzo has been writing professionally for more than a decade and is the author of Counting Scars, Racing Hearts and Normal Kids in the Orca Soundings line. She is the bestselling author of more than 30 books. Melinda lives in the lower mainland in BC, where she finds plenty of inspiration.