WILL ON THE INSIDE by Andrew Eliopulos
HARDCOVER
Author: Andrew Eliopulos
Heartfelt, honest, and full of courage, WILL ON THE INSIDE is a moving middle-grade novel about friendship, identity, chronic illness, and finding your voice when life changes everything you thought you knew.
Will loves soccer - especially playing centre midfield on his school team. But lately his stomach pain and exhaustion have been so bad he can’t keep up. When he’s diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, Will hopes treatment will get him back on the field quickly… but the new medications come with tough side effects, and before he knows it, he’s benched for the season and drifting away from his teammates and friends.
While sitting out practices, Will starts spending time with Griffin - which would be fine, except Griffin just asked Will’s guy best friend to the school dance. Now Will isn’t just worried about his health; he’s terrified about what people will say, from his teammates to his church friends. With everything changing at once, Will has to sort through his fears, friendships, and feelings to understand who he is - not just on the outside, but on the inside too.
Why this book deserves a spot on your shelf:
- A compassionate, relatable look at chronic illness
- Explores friendship, identity, and shifting social circles
- Perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories