Plot Summary

With You and Without You

Ann M. Martin
Guide cover placeholder

With You and Without You

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1999

Book Brief

Ann M. Martin

With You and Without You

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

179

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

660L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Ann M. Martin's With You and Without You, twelve-year-old Liza O’Hara navigates the emotional challenges of her father's terminal cardiomyopathy diagnosis, from its impact on her family dynamics to her personal struggle with grief and finding joy. The story unfolds over a year and a half, emphasizing the importance of different mourning processes while showcasing the familial bond and collective healing after their loss.

Emotional

Melancholic

Heartwarming

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

332 ratings

77%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

With You and Without You by Ann M. Martin offers a touching exploration of grief and family dynamics. Praised for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of coping with loss, the novel captivates readers with relatable characters. Some noted it might be too intense for younger audiences, but overall it's an impactful, well-crafted story of healing.

Who should read this

Who Should Read With You and Without You?

A reader who would enjoy With You and Without You by Ann M. Martin is likely a fan of heartfelt, coming-of-age stories that explore family dynamics and emotional growth. Similar to readers of Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia or Ann Brashares’ The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, they appreciate nuanced characters and poignant narratives.

4.3

332 ratings

77%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

179

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

660L

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!