Katcher understands popular teen culture and language. The empathy and seriousness of the topic regarding burn victims is touching, but the author wrote the book in such an entertaining manner, that I didn't feel preached to. Katcher's voice is astounding, and I was instantly rooting for Leon. I literally read it in one evening, because I was dying to know how things turned out with Leon and Melody.

When I picked it up, I thought it might provide me some research material that may be useful, but what I got was much more. I ordered the book because I'm also writing a story about a burn victim.

I am a teacher of young adults and a YA writer, myself. A 2009 ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults Leon tries to find a way out of this nasty dilemma without hurting anyone, but soon he realizes-a little too late-that playing with someone’s heart is as dangerous as playing with matches. But when junior class hottie Amy Green asks Leon out after he saves her from getting detention, his devotion to Melody hangs in the balance. No one, least of all Leon, could have predicted that Melody would turn out to be a funny, smart, and interesting person, or that he and Melody would become good friends. Leon has avoided her too, until the day he takes a chance, tells her a bad joke, and makes her laugh. Everyone at school keeps their distance from Melody because she was burned in a childhood accident. His new locker neighbor is Melody Hennon-class outcast and certified freak. “Recommend this to fans of John Green’s books.” -Booklist Leon Sanders has a mug that looks like it should be hanging in a post office with the caption WANTED FOR SHOPLIFTING AND CREDIT CARD FRAUD.

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