Kira-Kira, byCynthia Kadohata, ISBN # 0-439-79941-4

In Japanese, kira-kira means glittering. In this book, the Takeshima family use the term kira-kira to describe all the subtle wonders of being alive. Fourteen-year-old daughter Lynn's life is kira-kira until she is struck down with lymphoma. This tragedy affects the family in unexpected ways. This is a sensitive and beautiful story.