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In Ways to Die Right, Joel's life is
steeped in loss, with his mom’s battle with cancer not the first time his
family has faced death. When he discovers the environmental harm of traditional
burials, he decides to champion 'green burials' through a science presentation.
Joel’s mom is diagnosed with cancer, again,
sending him into a spiral. He is already feeling the burden of caring for his
sister’s grave, how could he possibly care for his mom’s grave as well? Then,
at the cemetery, his most sacred space, he is confronted by his arch-nemesis,
Trent. While Joel is striving to understand how family members can ‘forget’
their loved one by abandoning their graves, Trent wants everyone to know that
graves are an important part of our human community. When Joel is given the opportunity,
he champions green burials in a science presentation. The public opposition
from Trent is almost more than he can take. Joel is forced to fight for himself
and his beliefs, while trying to hide his biggest secret. New and old friends
support him in his quest to protect the environment and find peace, while his
parents see his struggles and make changes to support him.
About the author
Catriona McKeownis an established, award-winning author. She has three full-length contemporary
Young Adult novels published:
The Boy in
the Hoodie (winner of Caleb’s Unpublished Manuscript Award 2017),
Memphis Grace (Winner of the Australian
Family Therapist Award 2020), and Good
Luck and Other Lies (releasing 2025). Catriona is an Australian High School
teacher, working primarily with students with additional needs. She also helps
students develop their entrepreneurial skills to create solutions to today’s
problems. She lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Summary
Ways to Die Right is a novella for teens that tackles real-life issues like environmental responsibility, friendship, family, and death. Perfect for reluctant readers, this story will inspire and engage with relatable challenges and rousing triumphs.
