Pig Heart Boy

by Malorie Blackman

From back cover
You're thirteen. All you want is a normal life.
But most normal kids don't need heart transplants.

So there's this doctor. He says there's a chance for you. But he also says it's experimental, controversial and risky.
And it's never been done before.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Middle Grade, School, Novels, Contemporary

255 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

An award-winning children's author, Malorie Blackman was honoured with an OBE in 2008. Her work has been adapted for TV and stage.

More information available at:
Myspace
British Council: Contemporary Authors
British Council: Encompass Culture
Channel 4 Learning: Book Box

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read that many books by Malorie Blackman yet but the few I have are all excellent. So far, this one is my favourite. It really got under my skin in an unexpected way and resonated quite deeply. It's odd to read this book from 1998 having recently read about the real-life pig heart transplant. A lot of what Blackman depicts in her fictional novel seemed echoed in the articles I read. It was a little eerie!

I think she captured well the difficulty of being an unwell child, the stress on the child, as well as their family members and friends. The arguments for and against the pig-heart transplant were well balanced in my opinion, though it was odd to consider that this may well be a real dilemma faced by patients.

The final chapters were especially powerful, dealing with grief, illness, overcoming challenges and trying to live despite the obstacles. This was well-handled, with no promises that things would work out, but that it was worth trying.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

So touching, my 2nd favourite Malorie book of the month. Review to follow in the next few days.

FULL REVIEW

For my pre read thoughts and reasons for rating please visit my blog: From the Shadows I Review

You know how I had trouble reviewing ‘Double Cross’ well I’m having even more trouble with this one. I can’t quite put into words how I feel about any of this. But I’m gonna give it a good go. This is a really good story, touching, realistic, heart breaking and so enjoyable. It’s a short story, I read it in only a couple of hours but it left its mark on me. It raises the dilemma of what would you do if you were dying. I have to say that the story felt well put together and felt like I could actually believe that it’s happening to someone. The way it’s been written is engaging and makes you hang on to every word and the pages are devoured as opposed to actually read.

Cameron – Cameron is the owner of the pig heart. We follow him as he makes his decision to go through with the op. I thought he was initially a lovely boy who just wanted to be normal. However, he changed part way through and became a temporary tool but he changed back at the end. So overall he’s a likeable character that handles himself well considering the situation he finds himself in.

Marlon – He’s Cameron’s best friend, I did like him but his family’s actions did taint him for me. Don’t get me wrong, what happened and why is explained but I still find it hard to trust him. However, despite the failings of those around him he was a good friend and (kind of) loyal. I don’t think he’s one of the best characters in the book though.

Dr Byron – He’s the guy who’s come up with the idea to transplant pig hearts into humans and I must say I think he’s a bit shady. I just never trust him, even though he’s helping others a part of me feels it’s purely for his own gain. I don’t think that’s a bad thing though, I don’t think anyone ever entirely trusts someone like Dr Byron,

Overall this is so touching. I didn’t quite cry but believe me there were times when I was close. Malorie Blackman knows how to write stories like this and she does it so well. It’s hard not to appreciate the quality of her writing every time you pick up one of her books. Pig-Heart Boy is, for me, hard to describe, it’s hard to capture the emotions of the storyline without revealing spoilers but it broke my heart and managed to heal it all at the same time. It gives you hope for the future and takes it away. I really can’t explain why I loved this book. I just did.

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking story about a 13 year old boy who needs a heart transplant. Written with skill and sensitivity.

[Ariya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my second of Blackman's works. This time is not about racism but on dilemmas and growing pains. A boy got an animal heart transplanted, illegally speaking, he wants to keep it as a secret but as soon as his friend knows, the news spreads out of control. One of the elements I like the most in young adults is how easily a book tackles such a difficult, morally dubious topic in a light-hearted but not condescending way. The boy struggles in every step he makes before and after the surgery, even after the last chapter. The anxiety of what comes next extends the degree of complexity a children's book can go.

[James Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malorie Blackman, everyone says she is the best children author, and I can see where they are coming from. This is a truly brilliant book, I do not think I have ever read a book so fast. If anyone says that this is a CHILDREN book then they are wrong! My mum is reading this book and it is a powerful story, sticking in your mind for days. Whenever something bad happens to one of the characters, you really feel for them. I got to know the characters so well, this is one of the best books I have ever read!

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Pig Heart Boy" when I was in year 6 and I really liked it.

It was about a boy who has heart problems and needs to have a heart transplant. No person would give away their heart so the doctors suggested to use a pig's heart. The boy's parents do not want that to happen and let their child have a pig's heart and they fuss about it really much. The boy dos have the pig's heart at the end and it has a really good ending.

I enjoyed the book and will read more Malorie Blackman's books.

[Hannah Dyer]

This book is very simple yet touching.

[Niamh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 'Pig Hearted Boy', Malorie Blackman presents the reader with a touching but heart breaking story, full of various challenging questions about life and death. The story is told through the perspective of thirteen year old Callum who is about to undergo a life saving heart transplant in which he is the first to be given a pigs heart. Throughout the story, Callum shares with us the many challenges he faces both before and after having the transplant which include, being surrounded by a media circus, the contrast in opinions from his school friends and being openly criticised by animal rights groups.

The story offers all types of readers the opportunity to learn about scientific research and the ethics involved through presenting the story through the mind of Callum himself. Indeed, throughout the story questions are posed to the reader about the morality of certain characters actions. For example, was it right for Callum to accept the Pigs heart? Was it fair on Trudy the pig? What would you do if you were Callum? Was Marlon being a caring friend or looking after his family? and so much more!

Personally, I think if I were sharing this story with children I would choose to read this book with older children (yr 5 or 6) as a read aloud as the questions posed would be really interesting to debate and discuss, particularly when we consider that scientific research is constantly developing so this book fits in well with current debates. Additionally, this book would link well to teaching opportunities in Science and may encourage children to explore the science involved further. I chose to rate this book 4 out of 5 starts as I felt the Grandmother's death and ending seemed a little rushed, particularly when the story's theme about the value of life and death is so powerful and important.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third read: next class (and school!) equally loved - if not more. They laughed OUT LOUD, they GASPED. So cute

Second read: next class loved it as well - a classic spontaneous clap at the end😁

One of the best class reads I've ever done. Quietest time of the day!☺️

P.s. Nan dying was a BRUTAL twist

10/10

[Aurelie Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and thought it had a very imaginative storyline. However, I found this book a little bit young for me because although it is not a young topic it still felt like it was not very challenging for me but overall highly recommend and think it is definitely worth a read :)

[Summer Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in the junior novels section of the library. I’d say it’s more suitable for the older ones. Great for teaching them about the real world.

[16AppadooO · Rating 3 out of 5]

This quite an enjoyable read. I felt like it was an ok book, personally I think that the author went through each part too quickly so this made it very predictable and not very suspenseful. However, I do think that it had a nice plot and did make me think about what I would do in the situations the characters were faced with. But overall it was not as thrilling and action packed as other books I have read by the same author.

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pig heart boy was a brilliant YA book. A roller coaster of emotions throughout the book. Would recommend to adults, teens etc. Malorie Blackman writes fast paced novels which grip your imagination from start to finish. 😊

[Oyinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 194 of 2021

This was a really enjoyable read and I had some existential questions while I read.

The protagonists in this book are faced with very tough decisions and reading about how they faced it all was fun.

Full review to come.

[Sarah AF · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was exciting, emotional and most importantly, enjoyable! It had quite a few unexpected but welcome turns in events but that made it all the more readable and engrossing. - Emily

[Junior Marquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

My students have a book exam in a few weeks. Guess which book they gonna choose from the list?

The shortest book…Duhh

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the award for the worst book cover ever goes to...

I swore I'd never read this again when I was like 11, and fair enough. But I am going to see Malorie Blackman talk about her biography and I thought why not. So here we are. She's such an excellent writer I'd forgotten how great this book is even though lots of awful things happen.

[18muldoons111 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Cameron who’s heart doesn’t function as well as a normal heart, so he has to get an operation for a pig heart, as there aren’t enough human heart donors. Throughout the novel, he makes recordings for his brother who hasn’t been born yet. Near the end, his body starts rejecting his pig heart, so he has to get a new one. He has his ups and downs, but overall this is a very enjoyable book.

[Yami · Rating 2 out of 5]

let me quote the protagonist and summarize this novel " it is simple, really"

Cam. is a boy with a weak heart , and the only ready donor is a pig called Trudy.

for Cam and his family , after the procedure instead of being concerned about their son's short life span, their focus turns to the media, and the people talking animal rights.
so the boy has to face all kind of people, and all kind of opinions, trying to figure out the right from wrong, and the art of living, forgiving and forgetting.

the novel ends up sadly, and in an unknown conclusion, you always would want people to live on, even if it is only a ch. of ink and paper,I guess there is always hope for Cam, and to renew his goal about Alex.

still the struggle in not imaginary, and the hurt is true for REAL people and REAL families, who would hold on for any kind of hope in any kind of form even a Pig's heart...may they have the courage and the strength to live on.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a while ago but every time I remember it I can only think of the good things. This book is so amazing and it just opens up a whole new part of our world that could one day be realistic. I love the way Malorie makes the characters come alive and I just love the entire book so much. Definite 5 for me

[Lucy Gotham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short but engaging read. Definitely one I’ll be recommending to my students who like gritty real-life situations.

[Taylor Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

22 pages in, and I already decided I liked this book.
I love the perspective and the honesty of it.
I, myself, was recently ill, not bad enough to need a new organ but bad enough to relate to the characters. Cam, seeing the effect his illness is having on his parents and the mixed feelings of guilt but also the need of having their comfort.
The frustration of all the characters leading to snappiness at each other, even though you all mean the world to each other.
The one minute, you're laughing, and the next, you're crying and can't understand as to why.

I love that Cam doesn't understand any of the jargon because I didn't. You see it all the time in books and movies about illness where the main character knows everything about their illness, and that's not always the case. I just knew my cancer diagnosis, ask me anything else, and I was lost.

Overall, it's a good book, a bit cheesy towards the end, but I suppose we all deserve that sometimes.

[Floor tussendeboeken · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but I had some issues with it. Mainly how Cameron made it up so quick with Marlon. I mean, okay he couldn't help it that his dad sold the secret to the daily press. But still, I would never dare to trust a friend again after revealing such a big secret so everything gets outta hand. Anyway, Cameron is such a brave boy and he really dares to speak up for himself.

The story itself was unique. I have never read this kind of story before. However, some parts were a bit dry for me. I felt like speeding up my audiobook sometimes, although I haven't done that.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read about a boy who needs a heart transplant. The question of whether to go for a transplant or not would be a pretty easy one to answer for me as it would be a question of either live or die. However add to the dilemma the fact that the organ being offered is that of a pig and not a human, and then I start to wonder what I’d do. My indecision would not be based on whether it was unkind to the animal but whether a pigs heart would be rejected by more body or not. This book opened my eyes to the fact that people on the outside of the situation looking in will all have opinions on this and they won’t necessary share my own. An interesting topic.

I love the way that Malorie Blackman ended this book in a way that I had not expected.

[Helen Tamblyn-Saville · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Malorie Blackman's books when I was younger - Operation Gadgetman, Thief, Hacker and then later on, Naughts and Crosses. Pig Heart Boy however passed me by and as part of my 52 YA reads for my children's bookshop, I decided to give it a go.

Great read. I loved how Malorie dealt with this moral issue. Cameron is an interesting character, likeable, and entirely normal how after his operation, his attitude and demeanor changed. Without spoiling too much, I thought it very effective how open the ending was left and it was a great reminder as to why I enjoyed her books so much.

[Caleb MacRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story took a while to get going but built up a lot of anxiousness as we got further into the story. An emotional ending, which ends perfectly set up for a sequel. The storyline was good, and the only reason I have not given it 5 starts was because of the beginning. A part near the end had a bit of weirdness and ruined valuable space for a better chapter in its place. I would recommend this book to children who want to be surgeons in the future, because it gives lots of valuable lessons about xenotransplantation, which will most likely become a form of surgery in the next 20 years. I would NOT recommend this book to animal lovers or people who don’t like gory or icky things.

[Mia Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I do like this book. I didn't think I would, because Malorie Blackman's writing style sometimes isn't for me, but this was a nice surprise. I had to read this for school, at the beginning of lessons and the end of prep sessions, so I think that helped me get through it without ever getting bored. Do I think I would get bored otherwise? Honestly I'm not sure. All I know is that this was interesting and a stroll outside my normal.

I have one complaint and one complaint only. I'm thirteen, and I can tell you that my brain does not work at all in the way Cameron's does. I'm sorry, but he sounds about seven in this. Obviously Malorie Blackman is much older, so it's not going to be perfectly accurate, but it did make me cringe at times.

[16papendorfa · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be quite honest, i thought i'd enjoy this book more than i did. For me, it didn't have enough tension or cliffhangers which would make the book more exiting. However, the plot was certainly original and nothing i have seen before, well not a heart transplant using a pig's heart! But there is another book i have read before about a boy getting a heart transplant called 'instructions for a second-hand heart' i would really recommend this as an alternative.

[Adham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was kind of disappointing.it was part of the books that we have to read in school and I rememberer being really excited to read but it came to a very dis satisfying ending I liked the language but felt as if the book just dragged the plot on in order to make a story. On a positivé note the character development is like no other and made feel hate red and love towards certain characters malaire Blackman is a great author

[Helen Kingsley Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I was tempted to give this 4 stars. I did enjoy the book and it tackled some difficult questions and scenarios in a fairly balanced way. I did find some aspects and details were rushed over which made me doubt how realistic some parts of the story were. Also I have a bit of an issue with the ending with Nan As I was reading, I hoped she wasn’t heading down that path but unfortunately she did which I found disappointing.