Heartbreak and Other Organ Failures

Review Quotes:
Through Kaley's frank, snarky narration, debut novelist Hobbs sensitively explores a variety of complex issues, including caregiving, divorce, and parental estrangement... While the author doesn't sugarcoat the stress involved in caring for Zoey, her characterization is refreshingly multifaceted. Alongside her occasionally violent meltdowns readers see her sense of humor and touching acts of compassion that make it clear that she loves Kaley as much as Kaley loves her. A realistically messy, poignant portrayal of family, disability, and sibling love.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Review Quotes:
Kaley's drive to do right by her sister and herself models tender siblinghood and familial care throughout this emotionally affecting story that balances hardship with moments of irrepressible joy.-- "Publishers Weekly"

Review Quotes:
The emotional weight is a touchstone in the book and a credit to an empathetic look at illness... Reminiscent of the contemporary classic My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult and the sick lit subcategory centered around books like John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, teens will find the imperfect perfection of a character like -Kaley easy to root for.-- "School Library Journal"

Publisher Marketing:

There is no one in the world that Kaley loves more than her older sister Zoey, who has developmental disabilities and medical complications. When the sisters learn that Zoey needs a new kidney but is at the bottom of the transplant list, they set off on a madcap family road trip to find their estranged father, who might agree to donate. Nothing will stand in Kaley's way--with Zoey's health stable, Kaley can follow her boyfriend to an out-of-state college next fall.

Then Kaley learns that her mom has her own plans for the sisters' futures. Kaley must reconcile the caretaker role she was born into with the desire to discover her own identity, and decide what she's willing to do for the person she loves most.

Heartbreak and Other Organ Failures is a coming-of-age adventure set in the fast lane and a heartfelt, hilarious celebration of sisterhood.

Review Citations:

• Publishers Weekly 05/04/2026 (EAN 9781324124832, Hardcover)
• Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2026 (EAN 9781324124832, Hardcover)
• School Library Journal 06/01/2026 pg. 96 (EAN 9781324124832, Hardcover)
• Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2026 (EAN 9781324124832, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:Hobbs, Taylor
Taylor Hobbs is the 2024 Pen Parentis Writing Fellowship winner and author of the short story, The Contingency Daughter. She lives in Seattle, Washington with her family.