In the poignant foreword to Death Be Not Proud, John Gunther shares his inspiration for writing the book: to offer solace and encouragement to those grappling with illness, particularly young children and their parents. He seeks to do this by narrating the story of his son Johnny, who faced his terminal condition with remarkable courage and dignity. Johnny's calm and rational demeanor during his rigorous treatments, along with his unwavering optimism and thirst for knowledge, serve as both remarkable and uplifting examples. Even those readers who are healthy and young can find profound messages within these pages. As Frances Gunther poignantly notes, "All the wonderful things in life are so simple that one is not aware of their wonder until they are beyond touch."

Unlike typical biographies that chronicle the lives of famous figures—be they actors, athletes, or political leaders—Johnny Gunther's story is unique in its exploration of a life cut tragically short. Although Johnny achieved recognition through his untimely death, his story is not one of accomplishments in the traditional sense. Had he lived, Johnny's exceptional talents in science, especially in chemistry and physics, might have led him to great scientific achievements. Nevertheless, his narrative is compelling and resonates with readers beyond the confines of conventional fame.

Death Be Not Proud stands alongside other notable works in the young adult biography genre, such as Doris Lund's Eric and Jeannie Morris's Brian Piccolo: A Short Season. Like these books, which also explore the theme of young lives that ended too soon, Johnny Gunther’s story was adapted into a television film in 1975, further cementing its status as a classic. The enduring appeal of Death Be Not Proud underscores its importance not only as a testament to a young man's extraordinary life but also as an inspiring beacon for readers of all ages facing challenges of their own.