Two Girls Staring at The Ceiling

Recommended Ages: 12+

Edited by Lucy Frank.

This emotionally powerful novel-in-verse explores the evolving friendship between two very different teenage girls who share a hospital room and a common illness. Chess, the narrator, is battling an unspecified illness and grapples with uncertainty about her condition. Complicating matters, she must room with Shannon, her polar opposite: while Chess is polite and quietly endures her pain, Shannon is outspoken and expressive, often screaming in distress. As their experiences unfold—Chess gradually improving while Shannon’s health declines—their contrasting personalities lead to an unexpected bond. Together, they help each other confront their illnesses, creating a dramatic and deeply moving narrative about friendship and resilience.