Deadline by Chris Crutcher

During a routine sports physical, senior Ben Wolf learns that he has an aggressive form of cancer- one that even if he seeks treatment the odds of survival are not good. Ben decides to tell no one, refuse treatment, and live the remainder of his life as normal as possible. He decides that instead of running cross country again this year (and possibly winning the state championship) he is going to go out for the football team. He is determined to connect with Dallas Suzuki, the girl of his dreams. He insists that his teachers give him the most information possible (and insists that it be accurate information) so he becomes a pain in several teacher's sides. As Ben goes through the year, he grows and learns and realizes what a terrible secret it is to keep from his friends and family. Chris Crutcher is a genius and his books always pack a punch- and this is no exception. Deadline contains everything from abuse, sex, death, and censorship issues all in one book- without being preachy or over the top. Ben is a strongly likeable character who connects immediately with readers. A moving book that is sure to appeal to a variety of teens.