I'll Give You the Sun

"We are all heading for each other on a collision course, no matter what. Maybe some people are just meant to be in the same story." I'll Give You the Sun is a beautifully written novel by Jandy Nelson. This is my favorite stand alone book of all time. It's about twins Noah and Jude who are inseparable and each is everything the other isn't. Jude is a powerful, beautiful girl who stands up to the bullies that torture her brother. Noah is a quiet boy who has always had the gift of art and paints on paper as well as in his mind. Noah is better at art than he is at interactions with people. They help each other through everything and are the best of friends, but as they grow older they grow apart and when tragedy strikes they realize the thing they need most is each other. This is a phenomenal coming of age story filled with art that will sweep you into a world of friendship and fierce love.

Other important characters:

• Parents of Noah and Jude.
• Brian - a crush of Noah's who loves space.
• Guillermo - a old sculptor who may have all the answers to Jude's pleas.
• Oscar - a broken boy who is a friend of Guillermo's who becomes close with Jude. 

I would give this book five chickens. This book would be good for ages 12+. Themes readers should know about are: romance, sexual violence and emotional heartache.

If you like The Misfits series by James Howe you will like this book.

If you enjoy I'll Give You the Sun you should try The Sky Is Everywhere also by Jandy Nelson.