Pig-heart Boy [TV tie-in Version] - Softcover

Blackman, Malorie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0552546844 ISBN 13: 9780552546843

Publisher: Corgi Childrens, 1999

Synopsis

Cameron is 13 years old and desperately in need of a heart transplant, when a pioneering doctor approaches his family with a startling proposal. He can give Cameron a new heart - not from a human, but from a pig!

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: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0552546844
• ISBN 13: 9780552546843
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 208