A Rose for Melinda — Lurlene McDaniel

Told in letters, journal entries, e-mails, doctors' reports, and instant messages, the heartbreaking story of an aspiring ballet dancer battling leukemia.

From: Melinda Skye
To: Readers
Subject: Jesse

Hi! I can't believe it. What a surprise from Jesse. When he got my e-mail about being accepted by the Washington School of Classical Dance's summer program, he called to congratulate me! I loved hearing his voice. We've been friends forever -- could it turn into something more?
Melinda

From: Jesse Rose
To: Readers
Subject: Melinda

I couldn't believe the news. Melinda is so young! How could she be sick? How did she get leukemia? She's got to get better. She's got to.
Jesse