18. Deadline by Chris Crutcher

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

ISBN: 978-0-06-085089-0

Greenwillow Books, New York, 2007

316 p.

Plot Summary

During his last year of high school, Ben Wolf wanted to go out swinging, learning as much as he could to take out into the world after graduation.  However, all of that came crashing down during the summer before senior year when he discovers that he has a terminal blood disease.  After visiting another doctor for treatment options, Ben comes to the conclusion that rounds of chemo will only slightly prolong his life and that life would not be a well-lived one.  Also, part of him always knew he wouldn’t live past his teenage years.  And so, with the knowledge that he may only live another year, he sets out to make the coming year the best one of his short life.  He continues to read as many books as he can get his hands on, tries out for the football team despite his small frame, and goes after the girl he has a major crush on.  Fearing that people knowing his fate would make them treat him differently, he hides his diagnosis from everyone except for his doctor and the therapists his doctor requires him to see, hoping that Ben will change his mind and seek treatment.  Will he be able to keep his secret from those he loves most as his year gets closer to the end?

Critical Evaluation

With Deadline, Chris Crutcher is able to take a tragic story and incorporate the multitude of human emotions into it.  While it would have been easy to focus on the sad moments of Ben’s last year, Crutcher creates a realistic story through allowing Ben the opportunity to feel confident, funny, nervous, and even doubtful about his decision to keep it all a secret.  The awakening that leads Ben to live life to the fullest is certainly an idea that has been preached about for centuries, but that doesn’t make Deadline any less inspiring.  Not only does Ben have the resolve to continue with his plans for the year, but also the disease gives him the inspiration to do things he never imagined he would have the courage to do, such as trying out for the high school football team at only 123 pounds.  And with nothing to lose, Ben throws all worries to the wind to go for whatever he sets his mind to.  When reading Deadline, I couldn’t help but think of what I would do given his situation and it is difficult to imagine turning down any type of treatment, nevertheless having the strength to strive for my dreams on to the end.  However, Ben’s story made me realize that it is essential to continue living, even when you know that it won’t be for that much longer.  In Deadline, Crutcher created a role model for anyone who thinks they are going through hard times, proving that it is important to come to terms with the hand you are dealt and find the inner strength to make the best of every situation. 

Reader's Annotation

In the summer before senior year, Ben Wolf finds out that he has only one year left to live.  Keeping it a secret from everyone, he tries to make it the best year of his life.

Information About the Author

Chris Crutcher, 64, is the author of thirteen books -- ten novels, two short story collections and an autobiography.  Prior to his work as an author, he taught school in Washington and California and acted as director of an Oakland alternative school for nearly a decade.  That academic history coupled with 25 years as a child and family therapist specializing in abuse and neglect has infused his literary work with realism and emotional heft. 

His signature blend of tragedy and comedy have made him a favorite with teen and adult readers.He has been honored with dozens of awards and honors including the CLA's 2005 St. Katharine Drexel Award, Writer Magazine's 2004 Writers Who Make A Difference Award, the ALA's 2000 Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award, the NCTE's 1998 National Intellectual Freedom Award and the ALAN Award.  And he takes great pride in landing on the ALA Freedom to Read Foundation's top ten banned books and authors lists, whenever it happens.  (information from the author’s website: http://www.chriscrutcher.com/biography.html)

Genre

Young Adult – Realistic

Curriculum Ties

English - Reading Comprehension and Literary Response and Analysis

Booktalking Ideas

1. Focus on Ben’s decision of whether or not to tell his friends and family about his diagnosis.

2. Talk about Ben’s relationship with Hey-Soos.

3. Discuss the idea of being able to mentally prepare for a loved one’s death.

4. Focus on the courage that Ben gains from his illness.

Reading Level/Interest Age

14+

Challenge Issues

The novel discusses child molestation and rape.

When confronted with complaints about this novel, librarians should become familiar with the material and its content.  Turn to reviews from publications such as Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist, as well as reviews from teens that have read it.  Also, it is beneficial for librarians to present reasons backed by the ALA in support of intellectual freedom.  As stated in the Library Bill of Rights:

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Why Include Book in Selection? 

I have heard good things about Chris Crutcher over the past couple of years, so I decided to include a few novels of his in my collection.