Dasia [Forever]

by Nic Stone

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Dear Martin series comes a spin-off novel written in prose and letters-in-verse about a thirteen-year-old girl. As she navigates cancer, family challenges, and newfound friendship during her initial chemo treatment, she discovers that hope can bloom in the most unexpected places.

“Absolutely incredible—I read it in one sitting and finished in tears. Stone shows so much care and nuance here. Dasia will stay with me forever.” —Andrea Beatriz Arango, author of Newbery Honor book Iveliz Explains it All

“Unflinching, fearless, and strikingly original.” —Soman Chainani, author of the bestselling School for Good and Evil series and Young World

After nineteen days of “induction chemotherapy,” Dasia Monae Riley knows no one else should be in her hospital room . . .

But there she is: Jameson “Jimmy” Jeffs. Another cancer patient who’s seemingly everything Dasia is not: rich, well cared for, and a smidge childish (in Dasia’s opinion).

However, Dasia soon discovers that their commonalities go beyond a random, incurable disease . . . like older brothers who are gone, baby brothers who need them, and struggles with friends at school.

As Dasia and Jimmy chat, Dasia’s memories unfold in the unsent “letters” (read: poems) Dasia wrote to her incarcerated older brother. And over the course of one life-changing night, two girls who are at their lowest fight to keep each other uplifted. When you hit rock bottom, what does it take to survive and allow yourself to hope again?

In a spin-off to the Dear Martin series, New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone delivers a heart-wrenching story of resilience, connection, and the fight to stay alive when battling illness and bearing the weight of difficult circumstances.

Genres: Middle Grade

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Nic Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and the only thing she loves more than an adventure is a good story about one. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. Growing up with a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, Stone strives to bring these diverse voices and stories to her work.

Stone lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @getnicced or on her website nicstone.info.

Reviews

[Michelle]

A great story! I felt that Nic Stone did a great job showing how isolating it can be for the child who is sick, their parents and siblings. One of my close friends' daughter had luekemia when she was in elemetary school. Thankfully, she is doing great as an adult! All the friends and neighbors helped out anyway we could. My two kids were the same ages as my friends two youngest, so i would take them to our house to play, etc. Not all communities, like Dasia's, know what to do or what they can do to help. It wa all new territory for us as well. No one should have to go through a diagnosis like cancer alone.

I loved how the girls bonded and talked together and shared their feelings about how hard it is to go through this alone (or at least the feeling of being alone). Both girls had a lot of other home-life issues they were also dealing with.

Dasia (Forever) would be a great read aloud for an upper elementary or middle school classroom. It could be a great introduction about paying forward donations, or helping out somewere, or making blankets, etc.

Childhood cancer (illnesses in general), is not always written in a way for younger readers. Jamie Sumner writes about cerabal palsy and the challenges that comes with that.

Dasia had a lot on her plate at home especially with helping with her little brogher. that reminded me of Rex Ogle's book Absent, which is about school absenteeism. You really don't know what someone is going through until you walk a mile in their shoes.

A must-have addition to all libraries!
P.S. Bring tissues.

#NicStone #DasiaForever #NewRelease #ReadThisBook #ReadABook #Books #Read #MGReads #MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #NetGalley #Goodreads #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians







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About half way through the book I started to get the feeling that Jimmy had died already and her ghost was there with Dasia. I always liked reading that trope of friendly ghosts communicating with the living. I'm always hopeful that my relatives are watching over the family and guiding us along the right path. How Jimmy's mom "had a feeling" that she should give the stuffed unicorn to Dasia, that Jimmy would have wanted it, which I agree one hundred perecent!

[Sharitb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nic Stone has written an incredibly special, deeply moving, and vital addition to the Dear Martin universe with Dasia (Forever). Centering on thirteen-year-old Dasia—whom readers will remember as Quon's younger sister from Dear Justyce—this middle-grade novel tackles immense, intersecting hardships with profound empathy and grace.

Currently hospitalized for pediatric cancer, Dasia is carrying an unimaginable amount of trauma on her young shoulders. Stone bravely addresses the domestic violence between Dasia's parents, her mother's severe mental health struggles, her father's death, and her brother's ongoing incarceration. The narrative beautifully tracks Dasia's connection with a fellow patient who gently forces her to break down her carefully constructed defenses, teaching her how to let people in and rediscover her own fierce will to fight. Woven throughout the prose are poignant, poetic journal entries that Dasia writes directly to her incarcerated brother, adding an incredibly intimate, lyrical layer to her voice.

What makes this book a true success is Stone's rare ability to write about such complex, heavy, and serious conditions in a way that remains entirely accessible and comprehensible for everyone, especially its target middle school audience.

As in her past books, I deeply appreciate the author's unwavering commitment to social justice and her awareness of systemic inequity. In the preface, Stone shares her own eye-opening realization that Black children frequently struggle with pediatric cancer. Yet, their specific lived experiences are rarely discussed or represented in mainstream media. Marginalized communities dealing with life-threatening medical crises on top of existing structural inequities face a uniquely difficult burden, and Nic Stone shines a necessary, brilliant light on that reality.

While Dasia (Forever) is undeniably a difficult and emotional read at times, it is an essential, beautiful, and unforgettable book. It is a triumphant testament to resilience, intersectionality, and the power of finding your voice in the darkest of times. Highly, highly recommended.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

In this spin off from Dear Justyce, Dasia's family has had their share of trouble; her father was abusive, but ended up being shot in their neighborhood. Her older brother, LaQuan, is in prison for what Dasia thinks is a false accusation of murder. Her mother has been depressed, so Dasia has been taking care of her younger brother, Gabe. When Dasia is diagnosed with cancer, and is given only six months to live, Gabe starts to hang out with some less than desirable influences. To cope with everything that is going on, Dasia has been writing letters in verse to LaQuan. One particularly trying night in the hospital where she is undergoing induction chemotherapy, Dasia is visited by another patient, Jimmy. Jimmy is very pale, and seems young for fourteen; she's carrying a stuffed unicorn. Dasia doesn't want to talk, and doesn't feel like Jimmy should be in her room, but she relentlessly asked questions and shares about her life. Jimmy's from a much wealthier background from Dasia, but has had her own share of troubles; her seventeen year old brother Coltrane "died by decision" and her family has had to deal with that as well as Jimmy's cancer. Her younger brother, Slane, is struggling. Jimmy is insistent that Dasia stay strong for her own younger brother, and the two seem to gain strength from each other. There is a twist at the end that I don't want to ruin, but there is an epilogue set a good two years afterwards that helps make the ending a bit happier.

Dear Justyce (book number two in the Dear Martin series) is more of a high school book, but this middle grade book could be read independently. There is a LOT going on, and many serious issues are addressed. While this author's Clean Getaway and Fast Pitch circulate well, they are a bit happier and less philosophical than Dasia Forever, which is a good choice for readers who want a slower paced, sadder title like Toalsen's My Brother Oliver or Conklin's Counting Time.

[Simone Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You have to fight too... There's so much for you to see and do, and you have to fight so you can experience all of it."

Dasia Riley is only 13, but life experiences have her feeling 33, or 53. Her dad is dead. Her older brother is locked up in kid jail. Mama is trying to trying to hold herself together. Dasia is parenting her younger brother, and fighting cancer. It's a lot for this young girl to handle, but it only takes one night and a life-changing encounter in her hospital room, for Dasia to build up the courage to continue fighting. The entire book spans about 18 hrs, and in that time Dasia meets and develops a deep connection with Jimmy, another cancer patient from two doors down. These two girls go deep. Their connection is heartfelt, and all I wanted while reading, was for them to "fight."

In this Dear Martin spin-off Nic Stone does a great job weaving in Quan's story from Dear Justyce, while allowing the reader to meet, love on and root for Dasia, his younger sister. While this story is written for a MG audience, it is definitely a read for all ages. Nic infuses difficult topics in a way that builds empathy and understanding, and gives space for continued dialogue. From broken families and domestic violence, to friendships and longing, terminal illness, and mostly importantly surviving, this book has it all. As I finished the last page and shed a thug tear, my only thought was to keep fighting for what matters. The best experiences are usually those we fight for.

If you haven't already done so, check your favorite indie bookstore to pre-order.

Thanks Nic and RH Kids, for the ARC.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MG spin-off to the Dear Martin series that is a mix of prose, epistolary, poetry and art.
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During a long hospital stay for cancer treatment, Dasia Monae Riley unexpectedly forms a connection with another teen patient, Jameson “Jimmy” Jeffs, who initially seems completely different from her. But as they spend one life-changing night talking, they discover shared experiences of grief, family struggles, and loneliness. Through heartfelt conversations and poetic letters Dasia writes to her incarcerated brother, the two girls help each other find hope and strength in the midst of illness and uncertainty.
🏥
NIC—MY HEART! 😭 Okay she does warn the reader what this story will be about at the beginning of the book so it’s not a surprise that I had all the feels reading this one. I did not have a middle grade Dear Martin spin off on my bingo card this year, but what an amazing surprise and gift to those who have been with Nic since the start of this series. Also I’m loving all the mixed media books that are releasing in 2026! Our kids gravitate towards these types of novels and I’m so grateful to authors for writing them and making them more accessible and well-written. This beautiful piece of work releases October 6.

CW: death, hospitalization, incarceration, child death, cancer, domestic violence, terminal illness, classism

[Mrs. G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nic Stone has once again laid down a book I could not stop reading. Her storytelling and emotion are so real and raw that I cannot help but feel like I'm her characters. This one hits different than her other books that focus solely on social injustice and equality. While there are undertones of that, the main topic of this one is child cancer. The feeling of being in the hospital, feeling alone, and fighting when it seems like there's no reason too, draws the reader in giving them an inside look at what it not only means to have cancer, but to be without means to do anything about it.

If you have never read Nic Stone before, I suggest reading the "Dear..." series before this only so you understand the characters Dasia is referring to. It is not necessary though. I also strongly suggest if you ever have the chance to hear Nic Stone speak - GO. She is even more amazing than her books.

The only part of this book I didn't enjoy was the ending. I wanted to see Dasia find a true friend (but I'm glad she found her family again). That's just me wanting closure - I know that many will appreciate the ending and see the reality of it.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for allowing me to read and advanced copy of this book for an honest review. You made my day giving me the opportunity to do so as one of Nic Stone's biggest teacher fans!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nic Stone’s Dasia (Forever) follows a young girl preparing to begin cancer treatment while carrying the weight of her father’s death, her mother’s untreated mental illness, her older brother’s abandonment, and her worry for the younger brother still by her side.

The story is told through letters Dasia writes in a journal her older brother left behind. Those entries become a place where she can say everything she cannot say out loud. The questions, disappointments, fears, and aching hope she carries with her into the hospital.

Stone understands that illness never happens in isolation. Dasia is not only confronting cancer; she is trying to hold together a family already fractured by grief, absence, and silence. The result is a story that feels emotionally honest without becoming heavy-handed. Even in the midst of treatments, uncertainty, and loss, Dasia is still a kid making friends, finding moments of joy, and trying to figure out who she is.

I found myself thinking about how many kids are carrying multiple burdens at once while the adults around them only see the most obvious crisis. Dasia (Forever) creates space for those realities while offering readers a story rooted in friendship and the possibility of hope when life becomes painful and unpredictable.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and heart-wrenching! I finished this beautiful book in one sitting - it is unputdownable. The book take places in a very short time span of less than 24 hours as Dasia Monae Riley, age 13, is in an isolation pediatric cancer hospital, fighting for her life. In the middle of the night another patient, Jamison (Jimmy) Jeffs, sneaks into Dasia's room and they spend the night talking about their cancer, complex family dynamics, their lack of lasting friendships, and more.

Dasia (Forever) is written in a dual timeline of that one night and Dasia's letter to her older brother, along with beautiful pencil sketches that are perfect additions to her story. Dasia and Jimmy, two young girls fighting cancer, become friends and more importantly, staying strong and fighting the cancers that are consuming their young bodies. They give each other strength and support that they each desperately crave.

To tell you more would be a quick ruining of the book. You and your middle grades reader need to read Dasia's story, shed a few tears, and remember to reach out to those who are struggling.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children's Books, and Crown Books for Young Readers, for the opportunity to read this beautifully touching book.

[Morgan Gayles · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

“…so when life throws you a curveball, grab your RAG and make it shine”

Dasia is a fighter, but she’s reaching a point where she’s not sure how much longer she can keep fighting. It’s not until she meets Jimmy that she begins to reevaluate everything she’s endured and all the people who have shaped her journey. Family and friends alike have left her questioning whether the fight is even worth it.

This story was so good. Nic Stone is such a talented writer. Even though this is considered a middle grade novel, it gave me all the feels. (Picture me sitting in the hair salon trying, and failing, not to cry.)

As adults, I think we sometimes forget just how big our feelings were during adolescence. The pain, trauma, anger, frustration, confusion, and sadness all felt so overwhelming. Nic Stone captures those emotions with such honesty and care. She’s writing for young readers who are fighting battles every day, and it was refreshing to read scenes that felt authentic, relatable, and deeply human regardless of your age.

[JoJo Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an unbiased review.

“Dasia (Forever) ” by Nic Stone

Nic Stone always does it with the author’s note, there’s nothing more special than the way she conveys the why of the story came to be - she genuinely reminds the reader to assess their personal traumas and triggers before jumping into the literary world she creates. Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to recommend it to my pre-teen and her books friends. Gently written, even with the sensitive topics, with subtle reminders of the unpredictably of life, relationships and the importance of giving yourself and everyone around you grace. I figured out the Dasia / Jameson (I like her name better than the nickname) fairly early but anxiously waited to see how it’d be unfolded. Flawless execution as always. The only thing I could’ve hoped for was a return/unexpected letter from LaQuan.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extension on Nic Stone's Dear Martin series, and as usual she addresses some important issues. The writing is pretty intense. Dasia is in the hospital facing day 20 of chemo. She's writing to her older brother Quan, who is in jail. (Quan was writing to his friend Justyce in Dear Justyce.) She makes friends with another cancer patient, a rich, private school kid, who Dasia thinks she has nothing in common with, except their disease. But of course they discover that's not their only commonality. Dasia starts out lonely, and afraid, and ready to give up, but becomes resilient and determined after talking with Jimmy all night. The ending is hopeful, but I think the topic and overall content is most appropriate for a 10 and up audience.

[Laura Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dasia (Forever) tells the story of thirteen year old Dasia Monae Riley who was recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. While in the hospital for induction chemotherapy, she meets Jameson “Jimmy” Jeffs, a fourteen year old girl also undergoing cancer treatment.

Over the course of a single night in the hospital, they quickly become friends as they discover the unlikely similarities in their life journeys despite coming from very different financial backgrounds.

This is a heavy read for sure, but a beautiful story of overcoming challenges, navigating complex family dynamics, and pushing through cancer treatment.

Rating: 4.75/5
Content Warnings: death, hospitalization, cancer, domestic violence, incarceration, suicide, gun violence

eARC copy received via NetGalley

[Carlyn Morenus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, tear-inducing book about 13-year-old Dasia who is in the hospital with acute leukemia. While the medical facts didn't quite jibe with my own leukemia experience (I had ALL like Dasia), the story otherwise rings true, in a very heartfelt way. I don't know how Dasia managed to handle being in the hospital without any family supporting her -- wow, that would be nearly impossible to deal with. But she finds a friend in fellow-patient Jimmy, and with Jimmy's support Dasia feels strong enough to keep fighting for her future. Lots of heavy subjects wrapped up in this short book -- parental abuse, PTSD, depression, gangs, death, incarceration. Phew! That Stone manages to include all of that without overwhelming the reader is impressive. An emphatic thumbs-up on this one.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another unforgettable book by Nic Stone and yes, at times heartbreaking. Dasia has cancer and is in the hospital. She meets Jimmy (Jameson), who also has cancer, one day who ends up hanging out with Dasia, and the two talk about so many things. Each shares stories about brothers who are gone, and parents who aren’t always there for them. Dasia drifts in and out and then goes into cardiac arrest but is okay. When she’s stable Dasia asks about Jimmy, and the nurse asks who? Dasia thinks did I dream her? Was she real, but then she finds out the truth. What is it?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Viktor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The young and less-filtered perspectives on cancer, death, and the effects of illness hit harder than I could’ve ever expected in this book. It’s refreshing and devastating to remember that there’s always someone rooting for us and bolstering our spirit, even if we don’t know them well, and especially if our illness is causing them pain too. It's okay that people are hurting, and you have to remember to love and cherish other people no matter what. This book wrung actual tears from my eyes - if you or a loved one are dealing with or have experienced illness, especially as a young person, this book will feel like a warm hug.

[Karol Silverstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A condensed love story of sorts - not a romance but a tale of two young teen girls who share a night and an awful diagnosis: cancer. Dasia and Johnny are different in nearly every other way, but each impacts the other profoundly. Author Nic Stone keeps you in the room and in the moment as they share secrets, fears and truths. Is it all real? Did it all really happen? Do the answers to either of these questions really matter?

A battle between darkness and light, hopelessness vs. hope, Dasia [Forever] takes readers on a unforgettable journey of physical and emotional pain, connection, and embracing a will to live when everything hurts so much that letting go feels so much easier.

[Jen Donnalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
Beautifully written. A tough topic that is handled in a developmentally appropriate way and really shines a light on how isolating of an experience a cancer diagnosis can be. But more importantly reminds us that there can also be LOTS of other things going on - Dasia has a sibling who is incarcerated, a dad who was murdered, a mom with clinical depression and a younger sibling she is very worried will join a gang. That's a lot!!! It's an exceptional story - highly recommend!

[Amy Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written! Author Nic Stone does an amazing job portraying the thoughts, fears and emotions of a young girl undergoing scary and isolating treatment for Cancer, while also dealing with family issues.
Dasia's journal entries (poems, doodles, letters to her incarcerated older brother) are interspersed between chapters - adding depth and heart to this story.
This is a great read for older children and middle grades -as well as their adults.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Read.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew when I saw this book on Netgalley that I wanted to read it. Nic Stone has written some fantastic books and Dasia Forever is no exception. The story mostly takes place over 1 night in the hospital. Jimmy comes in to Dasia's hospital room and the two talk most of the night about life, family, cancer, and more.

This book made me cry. The idea of hope is complex and worth exploring. While sad, I think anyone who wants to read more tough topics would enjoy this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC via NetGalley
Nic Stone has done it again. Similarly to Dear Justyce, I felt the emotions Dasia was experiencing. The pain, confusion, and isolation of a childhood illness is so hard to comprehend. Dasia’s story shows what it is like from the inside. It just goes to show how much goes on in lives of others that we have no idea about. Empathy is crucial to building human relationships and this book shows the healing power of friendship and encouragement when you need it most.

[Lysette H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sure I’ll write a better review when the tears stop flowing, but this book was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Maybe not for the most faint of heart, but worth every page.

[Jennifer Cook Nafziger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I RECEIVED AN ARC FROM NETGALLEY OF THIS BOOK.

Well, this book just about broke my heart. It is moving and special. I know young readers will really enjoy the powerful characters and storytelling.

[David S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of a young girl fighting cancer and how she keeps going.

[Chari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nic Stone knocks it out of the park again!! Loved it!!!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC FROM NETGALLEY*
Nic Stone is an amazing author and I'll read anything she writes. I enjoyed this story.