Pig-heart Boy [Original Version] - Softcover

Blackman, Malorie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0552528412 ISBN 13: 9780552528412

Publisher: Corgi Childrens, 1998

Synopsis

Cameron is fed up with not being able to join in with his friends' swimming and other games because of his weak heart, so when his dad reads an article about transgenics, he's keen to find out more. They contact the doctor pioneering animal organ transplants, and after exhaustive tests it is decided that Cameron should be the first human ever to receive a pig heart transplant. His mum has misgivings but Cam knows he can't pass up his chance for a normal life. However, after the operation, though, life is anything but normal. There are a lot of people who turn against Cameron without understanding him - and he loses support where he most expects to find it. Cam's will to live is truly tested - will it be enough to carry him through the danger and the pain?

A heart-stopping thriller with an up-to-the-minute contemporary setting from an author acclaimed for her gripping stories.

About this title

Review:

Malorie Blackman's brand of weighty, topical novels has proved immensely popular and won her several top book prizes, including the Smarties and Young Telegraph book awards (the latter twice). Her reputation as one of the best and most prolific children's authors writing today is founded on her intelligent handling of contemporary issues of interest and concern to children--Hacker, Thief! and A.N.T.I.D.O.T.E, her first three novels, dealt with time travel and computer hacking.

Pig-Heart Boy picks up another topical issue, that of xenografts or animal organ transplants. Cameron Kelsey has only a few months to live, and is no longer able to play sport, swim or live a normal life in any way. With no suitable human heart donor available, he agrees to try the revolutionary new process and is given a new heart, from a pig.

Through his tribulations he learns about the meaning of friendship, and how much he loves life and doesn't want to let go. This is a cracking read. Malorie Blackman has a particular skill of getting inside the mind of a thirteen year old. Highly recommended. (Ages 8 to 12)

Review:

"A powerful story about friendship, loyalty and family around this topical and controversial issue" (Guardian)

"Engrossing story" (Daily Telegraph)

"A sensitive and informative story that provides a vivid insight into transgenics and xenotransplantations and still manages to squeeze in the inevitable guinea-pig and piggy in the middle jokes" (Independent)

"Great for older readers able to tackle issues" (First)

"A bizarre yet strangely realistic book . . . The plot is well developed with many unexpected twists" (The Times)

About this edition

• Publisher: Corgi Childrens
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0552528412
• ISBN 13: 9780552528412
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 208