David and Jamie meet in a hospital. David is a senior in high school hospitalized with cystic fibrosis. He spends his time wishing he was back at school where he is senior class president and one of the popular crowd.
Jamie's mother is a nurse and arranged for Jamie to volunteer for the Smile Awhile program. After her father's suicide, Jamie spiraled into a depression. Her mother wants her to keep busy and also close so volunteering at the hospital seems perfect.
Jamie is a sophomore so when she recognizes David, she is a bit star-struck. She is used to seeing him making the daily announcements in the cafeteria and hanging out with his girlfriend Sharon. Seeing him in bed needing oxygen and a feeding tube is a surprise.
Overcoming her shyness, Jamie starts stopping to visit David. They talk about school, his plans for college, and her love of old movies. She brings him movies to watch and teaches him origami. She may have a bit of a crush on him which worries her mother.
When David's condition takes a turn for the worse, he convinces Jamie that getting out of the hospital will help him feel better. Together they plan several adventures which are totally against hospital policy. One of these ill-advised adventures ends up with David returning to the hospital by ambulance. Jamie is sure she'll never see him again.
JUST BREATHE by Cammie McGovern will grab readers and hold on tight. Both David and Jamie have serious issues that might threaten to unravel the average teen, but they show courage and resilience.
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