A Heart in a Body in the World

Deb Caletti
60 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2018

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Book Brief

Deb Caletti

A Heart in a Body in the World

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

United States • Contemporary

Theme
Mental Health

•

Gender Identity

•

Music
Topic
Mental Illness
First Publication Year

2018

Publisher

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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Super Short Summary

In A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti, Annabelle Agnelli, a high school senior and talented cross-country runner, embarks on a journey to run across the country from Seattle to Washington, DC, after a traumatic incident. Throughout her journey, she receives support from family and friends, grappling with pervasive memories and anxiety. The novel addresses themes of trauma and resilience.

Emotional

Challenging

Contemplative

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.3

10,161 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti has been lauded for its powerful portrayal of trauma and resilience, with critics praising the emotional depth and character development. The narrative's pacing and evocative prose are highlights, although some readers found the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Heart in a Body in the World?

A reader who would enjoy A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti is likely a young adult interested in contemporary issues, emotional depth, and personal resilience. Fans of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak or Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give will find this novel compelling.

4.3

10,161 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

A high school senior from Seattle who excels in cross-country running and academics; she works part-time at a bakery and volunteers at a nursing home.

A former classmate of Annabelle who was new to her school and became infatuated with her, exhibiting unsettling behaviors.

Annabelle's grandfather who values his Italian heritage and often cooks Italian dishes for his family.

Annabelle's mother, an Italian Catholic who is deeply concerned for her daughter's well-being.

Annabelle's younger brother, characterized by his love for science and supportive relationship with Annabelle.

The grandmother of Luke, known for her hippie past, and she travels the country in an RV with her grandson.

Dawn Celeste's grandson, an academically gifted young man who enjoys forestry and accompanies his grandmother on her travels.

Annabelle’s late best friend, remembered fondly by Annabelle at various moments in the story.

Annabelle’s late boyfriend, admired for his humor, intelligence, and ambition to become a lawyer.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

United States • Contemporary

Theme
Mental Health

•

Gender Identity

•

Music
Topic
Mental Illness
First Publication Year

2018

Publisher

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL680L

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