The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars is a popular fiction novel (and movie) written by John Green, and is aimed at late middle school to high school leveled audiences. This fantastic novel is about two teenagers, Hazel Lancaster and Augustus Waters, who are both battling terminal illnesses. They first meet at a youth support group for kids who have cancer, although Hazel is not yet aware of the extent of Augustus's illness. Hazel and Gus come together while fighting similar battles, and eventually fall in love. Hazel ends up introducing Gus to her favorite book, An Imperial Affliction, and they both become adamant on meeting the author in person so they can ask him questions about the characters in his book. Through charitable organizations, the two teens are able to fly to Amsterdam to meet the author. Yet, when they meet him, they are confronted by a rude, drunk man who won't answer their questions. The two teens brush it off and try to enjoy the rest of their trip, but on the last day Gus reveals to Hazel that his cancer has returned. After many tears and a short but memorable relationship, Gus passes away and leaves Hazel with a letter that is delivered to her by the author they met in Amsterdam. In the end, Hazel is comforted by Gus's last words to her and the readers are left somber, but happy for her.
  
I had to review this book because I have a personal connection to it that involves my own love for someone very special to me. I think this book can speak to teens and young adults in many ways like this, it truly is a book that stays with you for a long time. I really admired the author's literary style, he uses vocabulary that ties into the title of the book in very subtle ways. Although this book is directed at a slightly older audience and is a youth love-story, it has countless ways that it can be used in the classroom. I would use this book in an English classroom in a book club activity. There are endless directed discussion questions, anticipation guides, opportunities for extended writing prompts, author connections, and higher-level vocabulary terms to go along with this book. I would highly recommend using it in a high school classroom.

Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. New York: Dutton Books.