We Are Not Alone

A middle grade must read, showing there is humor and light to be found even in the darkest of times.

Sam Kepler Greyson doesn’t want to be the “cancer kid.” After losing his best friend and fellow UFO enthusiast, Oscar, to brain cancer, Sam wants to focus on anything but his own cancer—maybe even a normal year of middle school.

But whispers in the halls and lingering grief over Oscar make Sam’s return much harder. To make matters worse, he is paired with popular girl Cat for a history project. Between Cat’s icy attitude and troubling rumors that Sam lied about having cancer, nothing seems to be going well.

Things start to look up when Cat and Sam unexpectedly bond over the UFO obsession he once shared with Oscar—but Sam isn’t sure he’s ready to open up to someone again. With the chance for a fresh start within reach, he worries that coming clean about his illness will only make Cat pity him. Hiding the truth also helps Sam avoid the biggest worry of all: What if his cancer comes back?

Praise for We Are Not Alone:

“A beautiful and original exploration of friendship, and its power to make us more than just the sum of our parts. Funny, tender and insightful, Sam’s voice will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.” —Ali Standish, award-winning author of The Ethan I Was Before and The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall

“Katryn Bury is a master of middle grade voice. We Are Not Alone is a powerful, heartfelt exploration of loss, grief, and friendship. I absolutely loved it.” —Michael Leali, award-winning author of The Civil War of Amos Abernathy and Matteo

“Bury expertly balances humor and heartache in We Are Not Alone. Sam’s story explores grief, new friendships, and starting over, but it also celebrates enticing mysteries of the unknown in a way that is sure to engage readers. A quietly powerful novel that will resonate long after the final page.” —A. J. Sass, award-winning author of Ellen Outside the Lines and Ana on the Edge

“Katryn Bury writes about grief and being a survivor with honesty and humor. A multifaceted gem!” —Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, New York Times bestselling author of the Book Scavenger series

“While Bury, herself a cancer survivor, intricately explores Sam’s conflicting emotions, Sam’s occasionally wry narration and imagined banter with Oscar add levity. . . . A moving, humorous exploration of friendship and trust.” —Kirkus

Rights details

• Ages 8 - 12