Deadline

Chris Crutcher
Deadline
Harperteen, 2007
Genre: narrative fiction

A high school senior Ben finds out that he has a year left to live. He convinces his doctor not to tell his family and so he embarks on his final year. As a potential state qualifier in cross country, he decides to go out for football despite his small size and surprises everyone with his ability. As he faces the end of his life, Ben challenges a teacher, lives out his romantic fantasy, and attempts to help the town drunk. A moving story filled with humor and thought provoking ideas.