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Breakthrough: How One Teen Innovator Is Changing the World
An inspiring teenage memoir from globally renowned young scientist Jack Andraka.
Have you ever had a problem you would give everything to solve — a problem so difficult you would spend years searching for a solution?
When Jack Andraka was thirteen, he had a whole pile of problems like this. An outsider at school, he knew he didn’t fit in — and a close family friend was dying of cancer. But instead of giving in to the bullying and the despair, he took another path. Using his passion for science, he decided to try to create a better method of cancer detection. After conducting two years of research and asking hundreds of universities and companies for help, to no avail, Jack was finally able to secure the lab space necessary to test out his ingenious idea. In the end, he did it. Jack’s early-detection test for pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers has the potential to be over four hundred times more effective than the medical standard — and it costs only three cents per use. Jack was just fifteen at the time he came up with his solution.
Jack Andraka’s story is not just one of inspiring teenage success; it is a story of overcoming depression and homophobic bullying, and of finding the resilience to persevere. Whatever your age and interests, his book will motivate you to pursue your own dreams in the face of resistance, and to never stop learning. Full of fun, simple experiments you can try at home, Breakthrough is an amazing personal story and a reminder of why young people’s ideas deserve to be heard.
Have you ever had a problem you would give everything to solve — a problem so difficult you would spend years searching for a solution?
When Jack Andraka was thirteen, he had a whole pile of problems like this. An outsider at school, he knew he didn’t fit in — and a close family friend was dying of cancer. But instead of giving in to the bullying and the despair, he took another path. Using his passion for science, he decided to try to create a better method of cancer detection. After conducting two years of research and asking hundreds of universities and companies for help, to no avail, Jack was finally able to secure the lab space necessary to test out his ingenious idea. In the end, he did it. Jack’s early-detection test for pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers has the potential to be over four hundred times more effective than the medical standard — and it costs only three cents per use. Jack was just fifteen at the time he came up with his solution.
Jack Andraka’s story is not just one of inspiring teenage success; it is a story of overcoming depression and homophobic bullying, and of finding the resilience to persevere. Whatever your age and interests, his book will motivate you to pursue your own dreams in the face of resistance, and to never stop learning. Full of fun, simple experiments you can try at home, Breakthrough is an amazing personal story and a reminder of why young people’s ideas deserve to be heard.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2015
21 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 26, 2017
I love our local thrift store....where I found this hardcopy- 'Like New'....for 50 cents.
AWESOME KID! AWESOME STORY!
Jack Andraka was just 15 years old when he invented an inexpensive early detection test for pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers. I HAD TO LET THAT SINK IN!!!! I read that sentence-'several' times!!!!
Jack grew up in Maryland in a family that was bursting with creative energy. He had so many positive things to say about his parents, his older brother, Luke, and his uncle Ted, whom he had a special connection with.
Right around the time Jack was about to begin Eighth grade- dreading going back to school-he was worried about his Uncle Ted who had cancer - ( who soon did die that year leaving a huge sadness), and Jack was profoundly unhappy inside about 'school' situations and didn't know what to do about it.
He got all A's in his classes, won science fairs, but he was socially an outcast at school. He was gay, and had been bullied for it.
In looking for a solution to his problem, Jack kept looking into the world of science. He figured if he could discover the principles behind 'why' he had become an outcast at school, he was sure he could solve his problem and get his social life back on track.
WOW... what kid thinks like this?
It's easy to read this book in one sitting. There is nothing particularly impressive about the prose - but it sure doesn't matter-THIS STORY THAT HAD TO BE TOLD!!
Jack points out that his parents were always supportive of him....supporting his creative mind as far back as he can remember. As a little kid his mother would turn boring car rides into intense brain-racking games. She would set up a competition between he and his older brother, Luke, and give them a question to answer such as,
"What would happen if the sun disappeared?"
"The earth would shoot off its orbit", Luke would shout.
"It would get really cold", Jack would say.
Jack gives credit to his older brother - saying his brain always worked faster.
Luke would say, "we didn't know about the sun disappearing for a full eight minutes because of the time it takes for light to travel".
The game went on.......
As Jack continued to grow, it's pretty clear to see he had bright involved parents who supplied the resources he needed. He was fortunate.... but the 'work' .... his discovery...was his own. It's fascinating how many rejection letters Jack received from top leading scientists in the country - and INSULTS from "BETTER-THAN-THOU-ADULTS. Jack was just a 'punk-KID'. . Ha!
Later in the book - once Jack was taken seriously-( a photo of Jack with President Obama telling him about his pancreatic test....another with Bill Clinton, etc.), Jack pushed for an educational program for students- and engineering lab. IT TOOK A BRIGHT SUCCESSFUL *KID* to convince educated adults that intellectual curiosity - with THE RIGHT TOOLS were needed to support young minds!!!
If I had young children at home - I'd grab this book - and read it JUST FOR the inspiration of a healthy -inspiring family. BOTH parents had their own jobs - weren't controlling - had healthy boundaries- but were involved. The parents were an excellent model in parenting. If I had a TEENAGER at home--- as young as 12... I'd encourage them to read it too!
Coming from a family like Jack's empowered him to work through his OWN unhappiness - his OWN pain. When he was bullied at school - when kids made fun of him for being gay, Jack figured out his own solution. His parents were wise enough to know not to try to fix his problem - just to try to MAKE him happy - ( falsely happy).
Jack's parents demonstrated ruthless compassion- allowing his child to hurt, fail, and succeed.
They created a CREATIVE HOME LIFE.... the rest was up to JACK!
Thanks to this Jack Andraka, ..... today countless people who face pancreatic cancer have more hope!!!
I lost two friends to pancreatic cancer. However... our good friend, Jonathan, a medical doctor himself: a psychiatrist, has been in remission for 4 years now!!! Thankful every day!!!
WONDERFUL inspiring book! I loved the fun playful experiments Jack adds at the end of the book for kids.... plus bullying awareness, and LGBTQ awareness.
AWESOME KID! AWESOME STORY!
Jack Andraka was just 15 years old when he invented an inexpensive early detection test for pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancers. I HAD TO LET THAT SINK IN!!!! I read that sentence-'several' times!!!!
Jack grew up in Maryland in a family that was bursting with creative energy. He had so many positive things to say about his parents, his older brother, Luke, and his uncle Ted, whom he had a special connection with.
Right around the time Jack was about to begin Eighth grade- dreading going back to school-he was worried about his Uncle Ted who had cancer - ( who soon did die that year leaving a huge sadness), and Jack was profoundly unhappy inside about 'school' situations and didn't know what to do about it.
He got all A's in his classes, won science fairs, but he was socially an outcast at school. He was gay, and had been bullied for it.
In looking for a solution to his problem, Jack kept looking into the world of science. He figured if he could discover the principles behind 'why' he had become an outcast at school, he was sure he could solve his problem and get his social life back on track.
WOW... what kid thinks like this?
It's easy to read this book in one sitting. There is nothing particularly impressive about the prose - but it sure doesn't matter-THIS STORY THAT HAD TO BE TOLD!!
Jack points out that his parents were always supportive of him....supporting his creative mind as far back as he can remember. As a little kid his mother would turn boring car rides into intense brain-racking games. She would set up a competition between he and his older brother, Luke, and give them a question to answer such as,
"What would happen if the sun disappeared?"
"The earth would shoot off its orbit", Luke would shout.
"It would get really cold", Jack would say.
Jack gives credit to his older brother - saying his brain always worked faster.
Luke would say, "we didn't know about the sun disappearing for a full eight minutes because of the time it takes for light to travel".
The game went on.......
As Jack continued to grow, it's pretty clear to see he had bright involved parents who supplied the resources he needed. He was fortunate.... but the 'work' .... his discovery...was his own. It's fascinating how many rejection letters Jack received from top leading scientists in the country - and INSULTS from "BETTER-THAN-THOU-ADULTS. Jack was just a 'punk-KID'. . Ha!
Later in the book - once Jack was taken seriously-( a photo of Jack with President Obama telling him about his pancreatic test....another with Bill Clinton, etc.), Jack pushed for an educational program for students- and engineering lab. IT TOOK A BRIGHT SUCCESSFUL *KID* to convince educated adults that intellectual curiosity - with THE RIGHT TOOLS were needed to support young minds!!!
If I had young children at home - I'd grab this book - and read it JUST FOR the inspiration of a healthy -inspiring family. BOTH parents had their own jobs - weren't controlling - had healthy boundaries- but were involved. The parents were an excellent model in parenting. If I had a TEENAGER at home--- as young as 12... I'd encourage them to read it too!
Coming from a family like Jack's empowered him to work through his OWN unhappiness - his OWN pain. When he was bullied at school - when kids made fun of him for being gay, Jack figured out his own solution. His parents were wise enough to know not to try to fix his problem - just to try to MAKE him happy - ( falsely happy).
Jack's parents demonstrated ruthless compassion- allowing his child to hurt, fail, and succeed.
They created a CREATIVE HOME LIFE.... the rest was up to JACK!
Thanks to this Jack Andraka, ..... today countless people who face pancreatic cancer have more hope!!!
I lost two friends to pancreatic cancer. However... our good friend, Jonathan, a medical doctor himself: a psychiatrist, has been in remission for 4 years now!!! Thankful every day!!!
WONDERFUL inspiring book! I loved the fun playful experiments Jack adds at the end of the book for kids.... plus bullying awareness, and LGBTQ awareness.
November 8, 2016
This is a book about Jack Andraka, a 15-year-old boy wonder and geek who invented a test strip sensor for detecting early-stage pancreatic cancer. It probably also has other medical applications as well - and is considerably cheaper than other (later stage) tests available for this cancer.
This book is his autobiography, encompassing broad aspects of his life.
*His childhood - with his parents doing a huge amount to foster interest in the sciences, for both him and his brother Luke. From their home-made laboratory in the basement, and their love of everything scientific (one night they even caused a general blackout in the neighbourhood...), to the friendly competition between the brothers, which I am sure drove them both to try harder.
*A happy home life, and a terrifying school life, blighted by bullying because Jack was both clever and gay. In middle school Jack used to eat his lunch in the lavatories. He was too frightened to join his classmates in the cafeteria at lunch time. Some of the teachers were also prejudiced against homosexuals too. In senior school he made one very good friend, and she did much to improve the quality of his school experience. I was appalled at the descriptions of the bullying. This had nothing to do with the main thrust of the book, but I found the degree of prejudice and unkindness shown by Jack's classmates shocking.
*His experiences with his Uncle Ted, a lovely man who dies of pancreatic cancer, and who sets Jack off in the direction of trying to find a way of detecting it earlier.
*Some gobbledegook science where he explores various avenues relating to his research (nice reading for scientists, but this bit is quite short - so take a deep breath and read on normal folk.)
* Marvellous descriptions of the tenacity that Jack showed in his efforts to A) find a proper laboratory where he could test his hypothesis, and B) his stoicism in conducting the research itself. He applied to two hundred labs. One hundred and ninety-ninety rejected his request, but finally Professor Anirban Maitra at the John Hopkins School of Medicine offered him lab space.) The descriptions of his research were mind-boggling. He laboured and laboured to find the protein which would act as a bio-marker relevant to his research (one of 8,000 proteins.) Days slipped in to nights, as his mom slept in the car, parked outside the lab, waiting to take her son home.
* But eureka! It happened! And much of this book describes the lauding and celebrations that followed this breakthrough. From winning The Gordon E Moore Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2012, to meeting Barak and Michelle Obama, to numerous television interviews. Suddenly the school nerd was swept up into the limelight - and no-one having read of his earlier school experiences can be anything but delighted.
* The book also covers another science success story. This time Jack and his great school pal Chloe invent a purifying water bottle, for filtering water in countries where it is dangerously contaminated with things like mercury and pesticides. It took them six months to do the research....and they succeeded. They won the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, plus $50,000 to share in scholarship money.
This book is a wonderfully inspiring read. One feels that Jack is all set to go off and lead a marvellous life as a scientist and inventor....and hooray for that. I feel I ought however to remark on the Wikipedia entry I have just read for him. I have no idea of its validity - but it casts a few shadows on his research, not least in being critical that he has filed a patent for his test strip, rather than allowing anyone to use and build upon it.
Finally, his test strip for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer has yet to come onto the market. This process, with testing, will apparently take about ten years.
Jack's TED talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/jack_andrak...
Wikipedia entry:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_An...
Website:
http://www.jackandraka.com/http://www...
This book is his autobiography, encompassing broad aspects of his life.
*His childhood - with his parents doing a huge amount to foster interest in the sciences, for both him and his brother Luke. From their home-made laboratory in the basement, and their love of everything scientific (one night they even caused a general blackout in the neighbourhood...), to the friendly competition between the brothers, which I am sure drove them both to try harder.
*A happy home life, and a terrifying school life, blighted by bullying because Jack was both clever and gay. In middle school Jack used to eat his lunch in the lavatories. He was too frightened to join his classmates in the cafeteria at lunch time. Some of the teachers were also prejudiced against homosexuals too. In senior school he made one very good friend, and she did much to improve the quality of his school experience. I was appalled at the descriptions of the bullying. This had nothing to do with the main thrust of the book, but I found the degree of prejudice and unkindness shown by Jack's classmates shocking.
*His experiences with his Uncle Ted, a lovely man who dies of pancreatic cancer, and who sets Jack off in the direction of trying to find a way of detecting it earlier.
*Some gobbledegook science where he explores various avenues relating to his research (nice reading for scientists, but this bit is quite short - so take a deep breath and read on normal folk.)
* Marvellous descriptions of the tenacity that Jack showed in his efforts to A) find a proper laboratory where he could test his hypothesis, and B) his stoicism in conducting the research itself. He applied to two hundred labs. One hundred and ninety-ninety rejected his request, but finally Professor Anirban Maitra at the John Hopkins School of Medicine offered him lab space.) The descriptions of his research were mind-boggling. He laboured and laboured to find the protein which would act as a bio-marker relevant to his research (one of 8,000 proteins.) Days slipped in to nights, as his mom slept in the car, parked outside the lab, waiting to take her son home.
* But eureka! It happened! And much of this book describes the lauding and celebrations that followed this breakthrough. From winning The Gordon E Moore Award at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2012, to meeting Barak and Michelle Obama, to numerous television interviews. Suddenly the school nerd was swept up into the limelight - and no-one having read of his earlier school experiences can be anything but delighted.
* The book also covers another science success story. This time Jack and his great school pal Chloe invent a purifying water bottle, for filtering water in countries where it is dangerously contaminated with things like mercury and pesticides. It took them six months to do the research....and they succeeded. They won the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, plus $50,000 to share in scholarship money.
This book is a wonderfully inspiring read. One feels that Jack is all set to go off and lead a marvellous life as a scientist and inventor....and hooray for that. I feel I ought however to remark on the Wikipedia entry I have just read for him. I have no idea of its validity - but it casts a few shadows on his research, not least in being critical that he has filed a patent for his test strip, rather than allowing anyone to use and build upon it.
Finally, his test strip for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer has yet to come onto the market. This process, with testing, will apparently take about ten years.
Jack's TED talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/jack_andrak...
Wikipedia entry:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_An...
Website:
http://www.jackandraka.com/http://www...
Read
March 27, 2015Jack lives and breathes science--and some experiments he breathes more than others. His family is super-supportive; his magnet middle-school is supportive but his classmates aren't. Jack is already depressed and being bullied when he comes out as gay, but even then he has other things on his mind: his Uncle Ted has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and it was already pretty advanced when it was discovered. After Ted's death Jack throws himself into science: what if he could create a test that could detect pancreatic and other cancers far earlier, and would cost far less than the tests currently in use? By the time he's 15, he's done it--but that's not to say any step of his journey was easy.
Jack's memoir is an engaging, hopeful read, and his enthusiasm for his work is palpable. He tells his story chronologically, which has the side effect of making the first half almost exclusively about his social troubles and the second half explaining his scientific research and processes, but the two halves blend neatly into each other. Jack's passion for science and discovery may inspire high schoolers to pursue their own scientific curiosities.
Jack's memoir is an engaging, hopeful read, and his enthusiasm for his work is palpable. He tells his story chronologically, which has the side effect of making the first half almost exclusively about his social troubles and the second half explaining his scientific research and processes, but the two halves blend neatly into each other. Jack's passion for science and discovery may inspire high schoolers to pursue their own scientific curiosities.
April 25, 2016
I really need to go grab someone and say "Read this book!" What a wonderful innovator Jack is, and he's at the very tip of his iceberg, getting ready to build a power base under it for the rest of his life.
I don't know what was more endearing when his family thought they killed Morley Shafer or when he met the (then) Pope.
I wanted to jump and down when he won the ISEF, I wanted to cry when the stranger thanked him for his discovery.
Jack, i am sorry for your struggles, but so proud of how you have turned them into accomplishments. Thank you for including the information for many other struggling people at the end of your book.
I skipped the math games because my head is spinning because of my work math ;), and it was never my favorite subject.
Can't wait to see what he does next!
I don't know what was more endearing when his family thought they killed Morley Shafer or when he met the (then) Pope.
I wanted to jump and down when he won the ISEF, I wanted to cry when the stranger thanked him for his discovery.
Jack, i am sorry for your struggles, but so proud of how you have turned them into accomplishments. Thank you for including the information for many other struggling people at the end of your book.
I skipped the math games because my head is spinning because of my work math ;), and it was never my favorite subject.
Can't wait to see what he does next!
July 17, 2025
Incredible book, especially when considering the author was born in a trash can.
Remarkable.
Remarkable.
July 14, 2015
Simply put, Jack Andraka is amazing -- and is my hero. Jack, who lives about 5 miles from me (though unfortunately I have never met him), invented a new method of detecting pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancer. As if this weren't amazing enough, Jack's preliminary results suggested that his sensor could be 90 percent accurate, 1/26,667th as expensive, 168 times faster, and 400 times more sensitive than current methods. The test costs three cents vs. the approximately $800 for the current standard test. Additionally, his early screening test could significantly improve the current 2% survival rate for pancreatic cancer. And here's where it gets really amazing: he came up with all of this at the ripe old age of 15.
What more is there to say? His book won't win a Pulitzer for great literature, but I fully expect he will win a Pulitzer for medicine at least once in his lifetime. His is an incredible story. Read it.
What more is there to say? His book won't win a Pulitzer for great literature, but I fully expect he will win a Pulitzer for medicine at least once in his lifetime. His is an incredible story. Read it.
January 6, 2016
Jack Andraka is such an incredible human being. He is an inspiration to all, from kids to adults. Seeing an intelligent gay teen in the science industry making changes in the world is amazing.
This book follows Jack's life so far while giving encouragement and insight into how such a young man has made such a change in the world. He is still so young. I can't wait to see what he does with the rest of his life.
I really enjoyed this audiobook. I give it a 4/5 and recommend it to everyone, especially teens who find themselves different.
This book follows Jack's life so far while giving encouragement and insight into how such a young man has made such a change in the world. He is still so young. I can't wait to see what he does with the rest of his life.
I really enjoyed this audiobook. I give it a 4/5 and recommend it to everyone, especially teens who find themselves different.
March 18, 2015
I truly enjoyed reading about Jack and all his accomplishments. I love the fact he has found a way to find pancreatic cancer in earlier stages. I also had a relative who passed from this disease. I hope they have this on the market soon.
I also loved reading about all the HS kids throughout the world who are working on so many wonderful things to help this world. We usually only hear of the kids who get in trouble.
To all this kids who are working so hard on their projects I that you.
I also loved reading about all the HS kids throughout the world who are working on so many wonderful things to help this world. We usually only hear of the kids who get in trouble.
To all this kids who are working so hard on their projects I that you.
April 23, 2015
I don't suppose this book will win any literary awards, but I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it - mostly for its complete candor and resounding enthusiasm. Jack almost bursts out of the pages and says, "Care about this!!!!!!!" His absolute commitment to science is a joy to experience.
January 3, 2016
Unbridled enthusiasm for learning shines through this book.
January 26, 2019
Assegno 5 stelle non tanto per il modo in cui è scritto questo libro, ma per il valore immenso di questo ragazzo, Jack Andraka. Leggere la sua storia ti fa pensare che non esiste solo la gioventù sdraiata che si ammazza di social tutti i giorni, ma ci sono anche delle giovani menti attive e desiderose di imparare e migliorare il mondo in cui vivono.
Questo ragazzo è davvero eccezionale e mi chiedo cos'altro riuscirà ad inventarsi nei lunghi anni che ha ancora davanti a sé.
È stato emozionante seguire passo passo la sua storia verso la scoperta di un nuovo metodo per diagnosticare precocemente il tumore al pancreas. Nel frattempo Jack ci ha fatto conoscere la sua fantastica famiglia che ha sempre creduto in lui e ci ha raccontato anche del periodo buio delle medie, anni in cui è stato oggetto di bullismo ed è caduto in depressione.
Non sempre sono riuscita a capire le descrizioni scientifiche, ma sono assolutamente d'accordo sul principio che ribadisce più volte e cioè che le conoscenze scientifiche vanno condivise per permettere a tutti di approfondirle e svilupparle.
Questo ragazzo è davvero eccezionale e mi chiedo cos'altro riuscirà ad inventarsi nei lunghi anni che ha ancora davanti a sé.
È stato emozionante seguire passo passo la sua storia verso la scoperta di un nuovo metodo per diagnosticare precocemente il tumore al pancreas. Nel frattempo Jack ci ha fatto conoscere la sua fantastica famiglia che ha sempre creduto in lui e ci ha raccontato anche del periodo buio delle medie, anni in cui è stato oggetto di bullismo ed è caduto in depressione.
Non sempre sono riuscita a capire le descrizioni scientifiche, ma sono assolutamente d'accordo sul principio che ribadisce più volte e cioè che le conoscenze scientifiche vanno condivise per permettere a tutti di approfondirle e svilupparle.
February 10, 2017
I am beyond honored to call Jack Andraka my friend (at least over social media). As a gay student who always wanted to be more immersed in math & the sciences, but found much of the rote teaching uninteresting, Andraka's breakthrough is not just when it comes to combating pancreatic cancer; it is one of the ongoing fight for open/accessible higher-quality education, one of recognizing LGBT people's contributions to a hetero-normative society, and it is one which destroys the stereotype that our generation (as millennials) are entitled & lazy. This book, and Jack Andraka's story, is personally significant to who I have become within the last 2 years, and here's why:
I happened to be at a crossroads in my life when my family & I moved from California to Florida for financial reasons. I had just graduated with honors at my high school in California, in the top 10% of my class, in June 2015. I was 18 with the whole world in front of me; However, despite all the compliments & support I received and was thankful for, I strongly felt like I needed to find myself and my potential...and soon. Although that is something only I can pursue and fulfill, when I stumbled upon Andraka's book at the local library in Florida, I knew I found a great stepping stone guide towards overcoming my fear of not being successful at something.
The book itself is easy to read for every student who can handle chapter books. For the younger ones, there are some really cool and excellent science projects to stimulate the young scientific mind. We are all inquisitive minds, hard-wired to learn as much as possible & question all that we don't yet know. We are goal-striving souls who must not back down at challenges which strengthen our tenacity to survive and evolve. So perhaps I am being hyperbolic here, but from the moment I read the inner flap, I resonated with Jack's quest to contribute to science, and even more fundamentally with his struggles in coming out.
Nor am I lying when I say that I read this book in one (and a half) sittings. Granted, it was Summer 2015 & an easy read, but I was truly enthralled by his upbringing and by the adversity he faced in seeking professional approval for his pancreatic cancer detecting test strips. Nearly 200 rejections would devastate the average person's perseverance, but just as it took Edison 10,000 tries to create the lightbulb, it is so inspiring that Jack just knew his idea was going to work, someway & somehow. His parents are also admirable for being such a constantly encouraging force in his life, even when the feasibility of Jack's endeavor seemed to reach its limits, even when they doubted the success he was onto and felt like it was a distraction from school. I wish every parent who loved their kid(s) would be able to proactively immerse their kid(s) in learning the way Mr. and Mrs. Andraka have with Jack and his older brother, but I know this usually isn't the case due to societal expectations in the U.S, and moreso with the constraints of working (I digress on this issue, though, for another book review...)
Of course, the coming out process mentioned in the earlier chapters were expressed very clearly and it hurt me just to read Andraka's struggles with coming to terms with his identity as an LGBT nerd. Again, I am not exaggerating, but I honestly cried when he explained how he was taunted by adult figures/relatives, mercilessly bullied for being a little softer and dorkier, crying alone in a bathroom or on a ride home over a non-reciprocating crush. (I also cried with Jack when gay marriage was legalized by the Supreme Court's ruling a couple days after I finished reading this autobiography.) I was there at that corner or in my room, stressing over how I could come out as easily and smoothly as possible, without threatening my well-being. I was awake when those bullies threatened to beat me up if I didn't get a girlfriend, when adults asked me if I was gonna be a "faggot". I also scraped away at my skin, hurting myself every week for a few years, cutting until some (minor) bleeding or actually hitting myself until I turned red, because I suppose my flawed mind thought then that that was the only way I could get the anger and the bullies away from me. Overall, it is an ongoing cry for help, for all who question something they cannot get rid of inside them, but particularly corrosive for those who seem to be damned to damnation, whose traits fit in a still-persecuted niche.
Jack Andraka is my truly amazing friend, and he should be your friend too. I am proud of everything he has done, and I hope that I, alongside every young student who comes from a rough background, can realize and achieve their potential in this short life to the fullest. Him, Malala, the now deceased Iqbal Masih/Aaron Swartz, they're inspirational testaments to the resilience of youthful spirit. Although his pancreatic cancer detection test is still in the works, and has since been subjected to much criticism from the various agencies & academic professionals, I do not doubt that his breakthrough in combating such a dangerous and common disease will continue to break through to the most vulnerable & ill. And in case you couldn't tell by now, I love Jack for who he is as well, always enjoying whenever we have the time to tweet or message each other about new developments.
I happened to be at a crossroads in my life when my family & I moved from California to Florida for financial reasons. I had just graduated with honors at my high school in California, in the top 10% of my class, in June 2015. I was 18 with the whole world in front of me; However, despite all the compliments & support I received and was thankful for, I strongly felt like I needed to find myself and my potential...and soon. Although that is something only I can pursue and fulfill, when I stumbled upon Andraka's book at the local library in Florida, I knew I found a great stepping stone guide towards overcoming my fear of not being successful at something.
The book itself is easy to read for every student who can handle chapter books. For the younger ones, there are some really cool and excellent science projects to stimulate the young scientific mind. We are all inquisitive minds, hard-wired to learn as much as possible & question all that we don't yet know. We are goal-striving souls who must not back down at challenges which strengthen our tenacity to survive and evolve. So perhaps I am being hyperbolic here, but from the moment I read the inner flap, I resonated with Jack's quest to contribute to science, and even more fundamentally with his struggles in coming out.
Nor am I lying when I say that I read this book in one (and a half) sittings. Granted, it was Summer 2015 & an easy read, but I was truly enthralled by his upbringing and by the adversity he faced in seeking professional approval for his pancreatic cancer detecting test strips. Nearly 200 rejections would devastate the average person's perseverance, but just as it took Edison 10,000 tries to create the lightbulb, it is so inspiring that Jack just knew his idea was going to work, someway & somehow. His parents are also admirable for being such a constantly encouraging force in his life, even when the feasibility of Jack's endeavor seemed to reach its limits, even when they doubted the success he was onto and felt like it was a distraction from school. I wish every parent who loved their kid(s) would be able to proactively immerse their kid(s) in learning the way Mr. and Mrs. Andraka have with Jack and his older brother, but I know this usually isn't the case due to societal expectations in the U.S, and moreso with the constraints of working (I digress on this issue, though, for another book review...)
Of course, the coming out process mentioned in the earlier chapters were expressed very clearly and it hurt me just to read Andraka's struggles with coming to terms with his identity as an LGBT nerd. Again, I am not exaggerating, but I honestly cried when he explained how he was taunted by adult figures/relatives, mercilessly bullied for being a little softer and dorkier, crying alone in a bathroom or on a ride home over a non-reciprocating crush. (I also cried with Jack when gay marriage was legalized by the Supreme Court's ruling a couple days after I finished reading this autobiography.) I was there at that corner or in my room, stressing over how I could come out as easily and smoothly as possible, without threatening my well-being. I was awake when those bullies threatened to beat me up if I didn't get a girlfriend, when adults asked me if I was gonna be a "faggot". I also scraped away at my skin, hurting myself every week for a few years, cutting until some (minor) bleeding or actually hitting myself until I turned red, because I suppose my flawed mind thought then that that was the only way I could get the anger and the bullies away from me. Overall, it is an ongoing cry for help, for all who question something they cannot get rid of inside them, but particularly corrosive for those who seem to be damned to damnation, whose traits fit in a still-persecuted niche.
Jack Andraka is my truly amazing friend, and he should be your friend too. I am proud of everything he has done, and I hope that I, alongside every young student who comes from a rough background, can realize and achieve their potential in this short life to the fullest. Him, Malala, the now deceased Iqbal Masih/Aaron Swartz, they're inspirational testaments to the resilience of youthful spirit. Although his pancreatic cancer detection test is still in the works, and has since been subjected to much criticism from the various agencies & academic professionals, I do not doubt that his breakthrough in combating such a dangerous and common disease will continue to break through to the most vulnerable & ill. And in case you couldn't tell by now, I love Jack for who he is as well, always enjoying whenever we have the time to tweet or message each other about new developments.
December 16, 2022
i hate reading for school.
February 21, 2016
The book was an entertaining read, if just for finding out how a teen can make such an important discovery.
Turns out this boy had a real bent for science and had been entering science fairs, both school-based, regional and national, for years. That, in and of itself, is unusual. He seems to have an unlimited budget for his experiments, which also veer from the norm. That said, he has a keen desire to make a difference in the world.
A close family friend, whom he refers to as "Uncle", develops pancreatic cancer. He eventually succumbs, due to the fact that his cancer was not diagnosed until late in its advancement. Pancreatic cancer is unique among the cancers in that it is not usually found until it is too late. By the time a tumor is detected, a patient is typically at Stage Three; the reason pancreatic cancer has a 2% survival rate at the five year mark.
He researches the disease exhaustively. Young Jack decided that he needs to find a way to detect pancreatic cancer a lot earlier. He reads medical journals, having to stop and research the various terms used. He has to borrow money from his parents to pay for access to some journal articles.
When he finds a promising angle, he tests it. In case after case, he can't find the right enzyme. When he finds the enzyme, he still needs to find the right medium to test it.
The premise of the book is his unceasing effort to find a lab where he can "test his test". He compares himself to Thomas Edison, when he receives his 100th rejection, determined to keep applying until he finds a lab willing to allow his experiment.
He does use the book as his formal "coming out", making much of his being a gay scientist. I do not think it had much bearing on his scientific accomplishments, but being that he is still a teenager, it may be more important to him to make a statement.
This book definitely gives you hope for the future. It is not just young Jack, but all the other students competing with him. The experiments they are doing are very worthy, and show that these teens have a keen desire to improve their future.
Turns out this boy had a real bent for science and had been entering science fairs, both school-based, regional and national, for years. That, in and of itself, is unusual. He seems to have an unlimited budget for his experiments, which also veer from the norm. That said, he has a keen desire to make a difference in the world.
A close family friend, whom he refers to as "Uncle", develops pancreatic cancer. He eventually succumbs, due to the fact that his cancer was not diagnosed until late in its advancement. Pancreatic cancer is unique among the cancers in that it is not usually found until it is too late. By the time a tumor is detected, a patient is typically at Stage Three; the reason pancreatic cancer has a 2% survival rate at the five year mark.
He researches the disease exhaustively. Young Jack decided that he needs to find a way to detect pancreatic cancer a lot earlier. He reads medical journals, having to stop and research the various terms used. He has to borrow money from his parents to pay for access to some journal articles.
When he finds a promising angle, he tests it. In case after case, he can't find the right enzyme. When he finds the enzyme, he still needs to find the right medium to test it.
The premise of the book is his unceasing effort to find a lab where he can "test his test". He compares himself to Thomas Edison, when he receives his 100th rejection, determined to keep applying until he finds a lab willing to allow his experiment.
He does use the book as his formal "coming out", making much of his being a gay scientist. I do not think it had much bearing on his scientific accomplishments, but being that he is still a teenager, it may be more important to him to make a statement.
This book definitely gives you hope for the future. It is not just young Jack, but all the other students competing with him. The experiments they are doing are very worthy, and show that these teens have a keen desire to improve their future.
September 13, 2015
As soon as school started, this book came into my life like a whirlwind: the story of a teen science geek who proceeds to discover a groundbreaking detection method of pancreatic cancer. This book is written by Jack Andraka, who is the very teen innovator who managed to save, or has plans to save thousands of people. One fascinating fact about this candid memoir is that Jack doesn't exaggerate, or sugarcoat his accomplishments. He makes his arduous journey seems so lightweight and easy to read, although in reality the pain he went through to produce the result is far from it.
When I first picked this book up, I expected it to be quite formally written; given that the initial author is a scientist two has experience writing science reports. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that although certain scientific jargons were included in the memoir as a necessity, the general tone of the book very closely resembles that of a diary or a storytelling of a teen kid. That is precisely what makes this book so unique. While Jack illustrates his specific discovery known through scientific jargons, he inserts those words within his casual, almost verbal-like tone to make this book approachable for teens like him. In that sense, I believe he wrote this book that way to make teens more interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, like he passionately states in the conclusion of his memoir.
All in all, I believe this book is a fantastic light read for anyone who wishes to get inspired by something. Despite the fact that Jack only mentions advances in the STEM fields, his painstaking journey to his final discovery is an inspiring story for any reader.
When I first picked this book up, I expected it to be quite formally written; given that the initial author is a scientist two has experience writing science reports. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that although certain scientific jargons were included in the memoir as a necessity, the general tone of the book very closely resembles that of a diary or a storytelling of a teen kid. That is precisely what makes this book so unique. While Jack illustrates his specific discovery known through scientific jargons, he inserts those words within his casual, almost verbal-like tone to make this book approachable for teens like him. In that sense, I believe he wrote this book that way to make teens more interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, like he passionately states in the conclusion of his memoir.
All in all, I believe this book is a fantastic light read for anyone who wishes to get inspired by something. Despite the fact that Jack only mentions advances in the STEM fields, his painstaking journey to his final discovery is an inspiring story for any reader.
September 1, 2016
So much in this book to ponder and share!! Science, bullying, LGBT. Some of my favorite quotes:
p. 5 "I was born into a house that looked, from the outside, like the other houses on our block in suburban Maryland. But inside, our house was bursting with creative energy. My parents believed that life was a giant puzzle, and we had the happy task of discovering its infinite mysteries."
p. 50 No matter how many times I told myself I was being paranoid, the evidence kept piling up. During the third week of seventh grade, I walked into the cafeteria, sat my tray down at a table, and watched everyone sitting at the table get up and move. They offered no explanation. They just didn't want to be near me. I felt invisible, like a ghost that people knew was around but didn't want to acknowledge."
p. 99 [Jack had a close family friend, Uncle Ted, who's life and death motivated Jack in his research and this is the advice Ted gave him] "In your work, whatever it is you choose to do, never forget who is being impacted," he told me. "Remember the patient." This advice had hardened into my mind as a sort of living thought memorial. Remember the patient.
Jack Andraka is passionate about and relentless in research, inquiry and the quest for knowledge and solutions. All of this while enduring bullying for his excellence in science and for his sexual orientation. I'll be sharing this book with a number of teachers, but I also will book talk it to 7th and 8th graders. Perhaps one of the quotes can act as part of the hook.
p. 5 "I was born into a house that looked, from the outside, like the other houses on our block in suburban Maryland. But inside, our house was bursting with creative energy. My parents believed that life was a giant puzzle, and we had the happy task of discovering its infinite mysteries."
p. 50 No matter how many times I told myself I was being paranoid, the evidence kept piling up. During the third week of seventh grade, I walked into the cafeteria, sat my tray down at a table, and watched everyone sitting at the table get up and move. They offered no explanation. They just didn't want to be near me. I felt invisible, like a ghost that people knew was around but didn't want to acknowledge."
p. 99 [Jack had a close family friend, Uncle Ted, who's life and death motivated Jack in his research and this is the advice Ted gave him] "In your work, whatever it is you choose to do, never forget who is being impacted," he told me. "Remember the patient." This advice had hardened into my mind as a sort of living thought memorial. Remember the patient.
Jack Andraka is passionate about and relentless in research, inquiry and the quest for knowledge and solutions. All of this while enduring bullying for his excellence in science and for his sexual orientation. I'll be sharing this book with a number of teachers, but I also will book talk it to 7th and 8th graders. Perhaps one of the quotes can act as part of the hook.
December 21, 2016
I wish the cover and subtitle of this book didn't feel quite so puffed up.
The book doesn't read that way at all. It's a great read, pretty down-to-earth, and (at least to me) a fascinating story.
Kid (albeit privileged, in most ways) wins science fairs. A lot of them. And makes serious scientific history, too. Also is bullied for his sexuality. But mostly wins science fairs. And does scientific research.
At the back of the book, he includes science experiments and some extra information about Open Access, Bullying, "LGBTQ" issues, and Suicide Awareness. There are b&w pix of him at relevant parts through the story, integrated on the same pages as the text.
Even so, it feels like a realistic, contemporaryish YAFiction about a science kid. His voice comes through well. He's human - he explains the scientific principles behind what he's doing, talks about his emotions through all of the science fairs, describes family relationships - I ripped right through it. His enthusiasm for science is contagious.
One thing that saddened me a little bit about the story was that he describes how hard it was for him to gain access to the scientific articles/research to back up his own work, and if I remember correctly, never even considers working with a library to try to get those articles. PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong.
Nevertheless, I plan to booktalk this at local middle schools in a couple of weeks. Great memoir! Now I want 1. a new cover for this book, and 2. a book from Amy Chyao.
The book doesn't read that way at all. It's a great read, pretty down-to-earth, and (at least to me) a fascinating story.
Kid (albeit privileged, in most ways) wins science fairs. A lot of them. And makes serious scientific history, too. Also is bullied for his sexuality. But mostly wins science fairs. And does scientific research.
At the back of the book, he includes science experiments and some extra information about Open Access, Bullying, "LGBTQ" issues, and Suicide Awareness. There are b&w pix of him at relevant parts through the story, integrated on the same pages as the text.
Even so, it feels like a realistic, contemporaryish YAFiction about a science kid. His voice comes through well. He's human - he explains the scientific principles behind what he's doing, talks about his emotions through all of the science fairs, describes family relationships - I ripped right through it. His enthusiasm for science is contagious.
One thing that saddened me a little bit about the story was that he describes how hard it was for him to gain access to the scientific articles/research to back up his own work, and if I remember correctly, never even considers working with a library to try to get those articles. PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong.
Nevertheless, I plan to booktalk this at local middle schools in a couple of weeks. Great memoir! Now I want 1. a new cover for this book, and 2. a book from Amy Chyao.
June 19, 2015
1. Just stop with the word "hater."
2. He's really whiny and tends to blame everyone else for his problems. I understand bullying but he also pulls himself away from people. Does he try his hardest to get along with others? The kids won't accept me, the teachers won't accept me, the doctors won't accept me, my brother won't accept me. The world doesn't revolve around you, bro. He asks Valerie Jarrett, "Are you are peasant, too?" He's just kind of a rude kid. Be grateful. Omg.
3. I'm totally on board with his research and the things he's gone through, I just would have been more receptive had he not been such a whiner.
4. The book did hold my attention and was a fast read because of that. I didn't really want to put it down.
5. Interesting article on why he wasn't on Forbes' 30 under 30 list: http://www.forbes.com/sites/bruceupbi...
6. I thought the science experiments, math problems, and other resources in the back were really neat.
7. Overall, this is an inspiring read. Him being so young and facing so much adversity and still meeting a goal, made me want to put forth more effort in things I do.
8. It's crazy how both brothers were so good at science. It made me want to get in inside look at how their parents raised them to become such great science minds.
9. My husband's maternal grandma and paternal grandpa both died of pancreatic cancer, so I'm really hoping this test comes to fruition.
2. He's really whiny and tends to blame everyone else for his problems. I understand bullying but he also pulls himself away from people. Does he try his hardest to get along with others? The kids won't accept me, the teachers won't accept me, the doctors won't accept me, my brother won't accept me. The world doesn't revolve around you, bro. He asks Valerie Jarrett, "Are you are peasant, too?" He's just kind of a rude kid. Be grateful. Omg.
3. I'm totally on board with his research and the things he's gone through, I just would have been more receptive had he not been such a whiner.
4. The book did hold my attention and was a fast read because of that. I didn't really want to put it down.
5. Interesting article on why he wasn't on Forbes' 30 under 30 list: http://www.forbes.com/sites/bruceupbi...
6. I thought the science experiments, math problems, and other resources in the back were really neat.
7. Overall, this is an inspiring read. Him being so young and facing so much adversity and still meeting a goal, made me want to put forth more effort in things I do.
8. It's crazy how both brothers were so good at science. It made me want to get in inside look at how their parents raised them to become such great science minds.
9. My husband's maternal grandma and paternal grandpa both died of pancreatic cancer, so I'm really hoping this test comes to fruition.
August 6, 2015
Jack Andraka is truly an inspiration not only to kids his age but for adults as well. His story personally encouraged me to summon up the guts to tackle the much feared Extended Essay. Delving into scientific exploration, with its numerous areas of exploration, despite its frightening misconceptions (ex. you have to be a mad genius to be a researcher), etc. is hard to do especially during one's teenage years.
Although reading his writing made me breath a sigh of relief after a bold attempt to read an unabridged version of Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens, his colloquial writing style did not meet my expectations. I understand that the book is mainly targeted at explaining his background and his journey to become a teen inventor but I feel that he could have involved the reader in his story a little better by employing more metaphors, emotive language, sensory imagery, etc. Nonetheless, I fell that he has passed on his beacon of hope to change the world as we know it vicariously (through his book) to me because Mr.Andraka shares his story in a very sincere manner. The fact that he ceased to leave out embarrassing incidents, for example, helps him build a repertoire with his audience and convince them of his (Andraka's )becoming of a teen innovator.
Overall, this book is a pleasing read for seekers of hope/inspiration but not so much if one is looking for literature based fodder for the mind or an exceptional emotional experience.
Although reading his writing made me breath a sigh of relief after a bold attempt to read an unabridged version of Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens, his colloquial writing style did not meet my expectations. I understand that the book is mainly targeted at explaining his background and his journey to become a teen inventor but I feel that he could have involved the reader in his story a little better by employing more metaphors, emotive language, sensory imagery, etc. Nonetheless, I fell that he has passed on his beacon of hope to change the world as we know it vicariously (through his book) to me because Mr.Andraka shares his story in a very sincere manner. The fact that he ceased to leave out embarrassing incidents, for example, helps him build a repertoire with his audience and convince them of his (Andraka's )becoming of a teen innovator.
Overall, this book is a pleasing read for seekers of hope/inspiration but not so much if one is looking for literature based fodder for the mind or an exceptional emotional experience.
December 28, 2017
What an amazing young man. This is the type of story that makes you want to start a science project, even if you think you don't like science.
June 19, 2015
Nee, geen 5 sterren voor dit boek, maar wel voor de jongeman over wie het gaat. Een ventje van amper 15 dat een manier ontdekt om pancreaskanker in een vroeg (en nog behandelbaar) stadium op te sporen. Mijn moeder is aan deze verschrikkelijke ziekte overleden dus dat zorgde meteen voor een band met het onderwerp en dat de jongen openlijk homo is, is een bijkomend pluspunt.
Dit is de eerste biografie die ik ooit las en het zal wellicht nog een hele tijd duren voor ik me er nog eens aan waag. Maar dit verhaal is heel bijzonder omdat je het enthousiasme voelt dat die kerel heeft voor zijn project, voor wetenschap en wiskunde. Maar ook zijn frustratie en pijn. Het is een inspirerend boek dat je laat geloven dat er heel wat talent zit in heel veel verschillende mensen en dat jezelf weer in het juiste, nederige, perspectief plaats.
Dit is de eerste biografie die ik ooit las en het zal wellicht nog een hele tijd duren voor ik me er nog eens aan waag. Maar dit verhaal is heel bijzonder omdat je het enthousiasme voelt dat die kerel heeft voor zijn project, voor wetenschap en wiskunde. Maar ook zijn frustratie en pijn. Het is een inspirerend boek dat je laat geloven dat er heel wat talent zit in heel veel verschillende mensen en dat jezelf weer in het juiste, nederige, perspectief plaats.
November 23, 2016
The Breakthrough was an inspirational book to read. Jack overcame many obstacles to achieve what he set out to achieve. It was interesting to see how Jack wasn't the popular guy at school, but quite the opposite. Jack didn't have many friends at school and was looked down upon for who he was at the time. That didn't prevent Jack from doing what the loves and achieving one of the greatest inventions that helped millions of people.
What I get out of this book and Jack's life story is that you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it. Jack kept with his faith when all the scientist that rejected him for his proposal. Eventually he was able to find a scientist that believed in his idea and Jack took advantage of that opportunity. The process was difficult, but with hard work and faith Jack was able to conquer the impossible.
What I get out of this book and Jack's life story is that you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it. Jack kept with his faith when all the scientist that rejected him for his proposal. Eventually he was able to find a scientist that believed in his idea and Jack took advantage of that opportunity. The process was difficult, but with hard work and faith Jack was able to conquer the impossible.
April 20, 2015
I would highly recommend this book be included in all middle school and high school libraries. Jack's scientific achievements are amazing. What I liked best about this book is that it goes through so many of the steps (planning, research, writing proposals, experimentation, presentation) of experimental design yet it does it in a way that is not overwhelming to students. Reading about the other kids that Jack competes against at these science competitions gives me lots of hope for our future generations. I do agree with Jack's assessment that so many kids don't see science or math as "cool" these days, and that' really too bad. I think the changes in NGSS are going to make a change in that. You can already see it at the younger levels that are more lab and problem based.
September 7, 2015
Breakthrough was a really quick read, I read it on a 2.5 hr drive and I liked it a lot. The writing is to the point, yet funny when it needs to be and focuses readers on what matters the most, Jack Andraka and his story. Reading about all of his accomplishments was nothing short of inspiring and will leave you with a good feeling because upon approaching the end of the book, you realize that Jack still has so much to do. Being that he's only 18, it's encouraging to know that he'll go on to keep achieving these amazing accomplishments and that's something to celebrate. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to middle schoolers and high schoolers as it's something that they can relate closely to and use as inspiration to go after what they want to achieve in life too.
January 7, 2016
It's very rare that oh come across a book where all you want to do is read and read and you never want it to be over. This is how I feel about Breakthrough, by Jack Andraka. In this mixed emotional autobiography of a boy, Andraka dicusses his problems with his sexuality, being bullied, and even trying to commit suicide in a school bathroom. But he never let his problems affect him. He would go on to leave all of his worries behind and start high school, and high school was the time of his life where it would change forever. He would go on to discover a new way to find out ways to detect cancer, and he never stopped working and working and working, til he got to the point he was looking for.
April 19, 2016
Jack Andraka is just a normal kid with a desire to make a change in the world with science. Every year he entered the science fair since sixth grade, he had won first place. Right before freshman year, he lost a close family friend to pancreatic cancer. So, as his freshman year science fair project, he decides to research on a way to detect pancreatic cancer early. His end result was a paper strip that was only nickels and was 100% accurate. He won the Intel ISEF science fair, which is a huge honor. Also, he struggled with bullying throughout middle school for being gay. His story of how he overcame adversity is so inspiring. He used his experience to help others that were going through the same thing.
August 27, 2016
I really liked this book. It's about a boy named Jack Andraka who finds a way to detect pancreatic cancer in it's early stage. I rated this book 5 stars because it's hard to put this book down and read another book once you have started it and It's interesting from start to end all the way through although, it's just a little bit more exciting at certain parts of this book such as the climax and end of this book. My favorite part of the book was the chapter before the last chapter because it was just very exciting to see the character's personality and attitude change from depressed and wanting to hide away from the world to being proud because of the way he is. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys math and science.
May 3, 2015
An encouraging account of a brilliant young scientist who perseveres through middle-school mania to conduct science experiments in the family basement, which will ultimately save human lives through early detection of various cancers (especially pancreatic and ovarian, which usually are so deadly because they are discovered too late in the disease's progress to treat effectively). A particularly poignant aspect of Jack's story is his struggle with anti-gay bullying throughout his school years, and the appendices at the end include resources for gay teens who have also encountered similar situations. Inspiring!
March 16, 2016
A truly enjoyable book. Jack Andraka was from my neck of the woods. He was a remarkably intelligent child with an amazing passion for science. It is hard to believe that such a young man (whether he is in middle school or high school) can think of and follow through with such mind boggling (to me) ideas. His parents raised a great kid - 2 of them, actually. Luke was also very talented. If this was not a true story, the gay bit could have been eliminated or he could have been teased/bullied for being a nerd, short, weird, whatever. It didn't add much to the story. The accompanying photos were great.
March 5, 2017
Love this book! I had the amazing opportunity to listen to him speak in June of 2016. He is such an optimistic & inspiring person. For someone who loves science, this was a great book. The concepts weren't too difficult to understand unlike many other science readings. It also had the touching family/personal aspect to it that really brought it all together. I recommend everyone read this! It is an eye opening & inspiring book that makes me excited for what I am capable of doing.
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