I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña follows Kidd, a resident of a halfway house for troubled youths who spends the summer at a beach resort in California. There, Kidd becomes involved in a love triangle with his new girlfriend Olivia and his erratic former best friend Devon, leading to a conflict that makes Kidd confront his past and his mental health challenges related to depression and PTSD. The novel deals with themes of depression, violence, and trauma.

<I Will Save You> by Matt de la Peña has garnered praise for its compelling, emotionally charged narrative and complex character development. Readers appreciated the authentic portrayal of teen struggles and the engaging writing style. Some critics noted that the story's pacing could be uneven, and a few found the plot twists predictable. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read.

Ideal for readers aged 12-17 who enjoy gripping, contemporary YA fiction that explores themes of mental health, trauma, and redemption. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Looking for Alaska by John Green would particularly connect with this emotionally intense narrative.

Emotional / Dark / Mysterious / Contemplative / Melancholic

- Matt de la Peña was inspired to write I Will Save You based on his experiences working with at-risk teens, which adds an authentic perspective to the novel's themes. 
- I Will Save You is often praised for its exploration of complex themes such as mental health and relationships, which has resonated with both young adult and adult readers.

**Kidd Ellison**  
The narrator who grapples with mental health challenges, Kidd's journey involves navigating complex emotions and relationships, providing insight into his struggle with identity and self-worth.  
  
**Devon**  
A mysterious figure who influences Kidd's decisions, Devon represents the darker, impulsive side of Kidd's personality, complicating Kidd's path toward self-discovery.  
  
**Red**  
A supportive mentor and father figure to Kidd, Red is a surfer in his thirties who operates the campground and shares wisdom born from his own battles with loss and addiction.  
  
**Olivia**  
Kidd's love interest, Olivia is a wealthy girl with a rare skin condition who fosters a deep connection with Kidd through shared experiences of emotional struggle and understanding.

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Pages 186-253

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Pages 254-306

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