Description
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! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Author Bio
Melinda Di Lorenzo has been writing professionally for more than a decade. In 2013 she won Harlequin's annual So You Think You Can Write contest, which came with a publishing contract and launched her into the romance world. With a BA in English from Simon Fraser University and a passion for classic love stories that feature strong (albeit sometimes problematic) female leads battling social constraints, Melinda infuses her books with flawed characters in real, relatable situations. Bullied as a teen, Melinda sought refuge in books. She now wants to provide that refuge for others, and she draws on her experience as the parent of three teens to craft stories that reflect modern struggles, without turning those struggles into stereotypes. She is the author of Counting Scars and Racing Hearts in the Orca Soundings line. Melinda lives in Surrey, British Columbia.
Prizes
- Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard SelectionCommended 2025
Review Quotes
“With compact, plot-driven chapters and realistic teen 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“Engaging and well written. Most chapters end in cliffhangers that will keep readers wanting to know what happens next. Fans of survival, adventure, and realistic fiction will want to pick this one up.”
— School Library Journal (SLJ)Biographical note
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.
