In this tale of emotional upheaval, Dawn ponders the usual teenage problems, but is soon swept into the complications that cancer has wrought on her life. In thought and conversation, she confronts issues of peer acceptance, and the tendency of even her close family members to treat her differently because of the disease.

Her interlude of rebellious acting-out is short-lived, and could have been more informative. Instead, it is shown as easily resolved and somewhat superficial. The last portion of the book addresses the medical terminology and actions involved in undergoing a bone marrow transplant, giving brief attention to the emotional ramifications. By the end of the book, readers should have a clear, if condensed, picture of what these victims face.

McDaniel has a devoted following among pre- and early teen girls, who like the emotional roller coaster and, strange to say, the romance. Some parents are concerned about this, and about the obsession with disease and death. But while the writing is undeniably pulpy, it does attempt to transmit positive and life-affirming values.

I WANT TO LIVE is a book that may be helpful to those with friends or family members battling a similar situation, but will also be of interest to teens and preteens who simply like a tearjerker. It is a forthright presentation which may inspire compassion and understanding.

Among many similar McDaniel titles, the first book about Dawn Rochelle is Six Months to Live. One of the best books about a child with Leukemia is Richard Peck's Something for Joey.