I stayed up until midnight to finish this book and I rarely stay up that late. The serious situations of Caleb and Kit drew me on to finish their story. I learned so much about cystic fibrosis and the courage of people who must live with it every day. I appreciated Kit's imagination and dedication to the fairy world, though it prevented her from coming to terms with her mother's depression. I liked the honesty between brothers Patrick and Caleb. A well-written book with memorable characters, sad, but hopeful. ( )

CALEB AND KIT by Beth Vrabel
Caleb, 12, has Cystic Fibrosis and is not happy about it. The first 50 or so pages of this book are his very own pity party. Young people of the age group this novel attempts to reach will find the first 50 pages pretty boring. The tale picks up significantly when Kit enters Caleb’s life. The book switches from detailing all of Caleb’s restrictions and gross symptoms to the actions and interactions of two rebellious teens. Kit is a free spirit who encourages Caleb to do “what he wants to do.”
If you make it past the first 50 pages, the plot and characters come alive. Caleb is a real person with needs and desires teens will identify with and preteens will find the mystery that clings to Kit intriguing. Shelly and Patrick are two supporting characters clearly drawn and interesting.
Adults dealing with the trials of chronic illness in teens will find this this book challenging and helpful. Perhaps they are the real audience for this novel.
3 of 5 stars as juvenile fiction, 4 of 5 for adults ( )

Thank you to the @kidlitexchange for providing a copy for review purposes.

Caleb is a twelve-year-old boy who suffers from cystic fibrosis. Caleb's mom tends to be a "helicopter mom" hovering over her fragile boy. When Caleb meets Kit, a girl his age, in the forest by his house, Caleb finally has something all to himself. He decides to keep his friendship a secret. But secrets can cause you to do things you otherwise might not do.

I absolutely adored this story. Caleb and Kits friendship was magical, needed, and heartwarming. Beth Vrabel wrote a feel-good story worthy of reading. This must be included in every classroom and school library. If you loved WONDER, you will adore Caleb and Kit. ( )

A beautiful, heart-wrenching, hope inducing tale. Do you believe in fairies? I do. I believe people come into our life for a reason, and like Kit, I think she and Caleb were destined to meet. They help each other in ways they didn't know they needed, and without realizing it. But is Kit's imagination enough to carry them through?

Advance Review Copy ( )