Pig Heart Boy facts for kids

Pig Heart Boy is an exciting children's novel written by Malorie Blackman. It was first published in 1997. This powerful story is about a teenage boy who needs a special heart transplant. The book was even nominated for the famous Carnegie Medal. Later, in 1999, the story was made into a TV show by Children's BBC.

Story of Pig Heart Boy

Cameron's Big Decision

The main character is thirteen-year-old Cameron Joshua Kelsey. He is very sick and needs a new heart quickly. He has been hoping for a transplant, but it hasn't worked out twice. Because time is running out, Cameron's dad secretly talks to Dr. Richard Bryce. Dr. Bryce is an expert in something called transgenics, which involves using parts from different species.

Cameron, also known as Cam, finds out about this when he comes home early. He overhears his parents arguing about the plan. His mom, Catherine, is upset because she wasn't included in the decision. She also doesn't want her son to have a pig's heart. But Cameron wants to live and see his fourteenth birthday. So, he decides to go ahead with the transplant.

Secrets and Surprises

Cameron is told to keep the transplant a secret. But he can't help but tell his best friend, Marlon. Before the operation, Cameron goes to meet Trudy, the pig that will donate her heart. His mom then shares some big news: she is pregnant! She didn't want the baby to be harmed by X-rays needed for the pigs. Cameron is thrilled about having a younger sibling. He even records videos for the baby, just in case something goes wrong during his surgery.

The operation happens and is successful! Cameron gets his new heart. But he soon finds out that Marlon told his parents about the pig heart. They, in turn, told the newspapers.

Life in the Spotlight

When Cameron leaves the hospital, he is famous. His family is constantly bothered by reporters and the media. Things get even tougher when the girl Cameron likes starts avoiding him. She thinks he might have germs. Also, some animal rights protesters threaten Cameron and his family.

One day, Cameron is out with his friends, including Marlon, who he has made up with. They are joking around on their way to a burger shop. A friendly lady asks Cameron if his last name is Kelsey. Cameron trusts her and says yes. Suddenly, she pulls out a bucket of red liquid and pours it all over him. Cameron realizes it's pig's blood. Marlon yells at the lady, and Cameron has to go to the hospital.

A Second Chance

Cameron has always loved swimming. He feels well enough to go back to the pool. He tries to touch the bottom, like his friends do. He finally reaches it but gets stuck underwater. He starts to think he might drown. Luckily, Marlon saves him.

Later, Dr. Bryce tells Cameron that his body is rejecting the new heart. This means he will need another heart transplant. Cameron doesn't want to go through it all again. He is tired of all the attention. But when his grandmother passes away, he realizes how important life is. He decides he wants to be there for his new younger brother or sister, who he plans to call Alex.

Book Reviews

Pig Heart Boy received many good reviews from people who read it.

TV Show Version

In 1999, the BBC made a six-part television series based on the novel. The TV show was mostly true to the book. However, some things were changed. For example, Dr. Bryce's name was changed to Professor Rae in the show. Also, in the TV version, Cameron was not the first patient to have a pig heart transplant from Dr. Bryce/Professor Rae. The TV series ended with Alex, Cameron's sibling, being born. The book, however, ends with Cameron deciding to accept the second heart transplant.

The television show won a BAFTA Award for Children's Drama in 2000. This is a very important award for TV shows. The episodes have never been sold in stores, but you can watch them online.