This Star Won't Go Out

This Star Won't Out by Esther Earl with her parents Lori and Wayne, consists of journals, letters, sketches and pictures of Esther's life.  In 2006, at the age of 12, Esther was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and passed away in 2010.  Essays by family, doctors, and friends are also included and give even more insight into her four year struggle.  Esther remained funny and witty throughout and her journals sound much like any teenagers would.
Esther began writing at a young age because she always knew she wanted to be an author.  She was the third of five children to a family that enjoyed traveling the world.  Esther loved her family and the adventures traveling brought.  When she was diagnosed the family was living in France.  The move to Boston for the best care possible came soon after.
Esther continued to live her life, joining the Harry Potter Alliance, and forming an online group of tight-knit friends, Catitude, who were "Nerdfighters."  Nerdfighters are lovers of the author John Green and his brother Hank.  John and Hank post vlogs to YouTube that Esther and her online friends loved.  Esther met John Green at a Harry Potter convention and they remained friends until her death.  He wrote a beautiful introduction to the book.  Esther's Make a Wish was to have John Green and her Catitude friends join her for a weekend in Boston.
Students will devour this book.  The Fault in Our Stars was dedicated to Esther, though Green is adamant the story is NOT based on Esther.  He was working on the book when her met her, and she inspired him to finish the story.  It is very moving, a great read.