Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, how would you survive?
A: I wouldn’t.
Zoe Harmon doesn’t remember what life was like before she had type one diabetes. Her insulin pump feels like a body part now—just one she has to think about a little more than she thinks about her kidneys or her liver. Yeah, it’s annoying sometimes, but it sure beats being dead. When she begrudgingly accepts a ride to a school camp from her former best friend, Vic Niels, a crash sends them flying off a remote mountain road. Stranded without her phone or insulin, Zoe is forced to team up with Vic in order to save her own life. And his. Twenty-four hours stuck with Vic? Fine. But twenty-four hours without insulin? This could get deadly.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection | 2025 | Commended
International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities - Canadian Selection | 2027 | Short-listed
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection | 2026 | Commended
“With compact, plot-driven chapters and realistic teen dialogue geared toward reluctant readers, this thrilling survival story has Zoe facing one calamity after another. As someone living with Type 1 diabetes, Di Lorenzo lends an authentic voice, providing ample information about navigating an invisible disability while also tackling topics such as mixed feelings over the loss of friendship and the rekindling of romantic feelings. A highly engaging, nail-biting adventure with much-needed representation and a touch of romance.”
“Engaging and well written. Most chapters end in cliffhangers that will keep readers wanting to know what happens next. Fans of survival, adventure, and realistic fiction will want to pick this one up.”