All Shook Up

For the child struggling with a parent's quirky identity, this story navigates the cringe-worthy moments of moving to a new city and finding pride in family.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your middle-schooler is struggling with the profound embarrassment that often comes with a parent's unconventional lifestyle or career. It is the perfect choice for children who feel like they do not fit in or who are navigating the awkward transition of moving between parental homes. The story follows Josh, who moves in with his father only to discover that his dad is a professional Elvis impersonator. Through humor and heart, the book explores the tension between wanting to belong and wanting to be proud of your family, even when they are undeniably quirky. It is a gentle, funny, and deeply relatable look at identity and the realization that our parents are complex people with their own dreams. Best suited for ages 10 to 14, it validates the cringe while offering a path toward genuine connection.

Shame & Guilt Embarrassment Love & Family Moving New School Humor Loneliness & Belonging Single-Parent Home

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Themes of feeling abandoned by a parent who travels frequently.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals with parental separation and the feeling of abandonment in a realistic, secular way. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: Josh's dad doesn't stop being an Elvis fan, but Josh learns to integrate his father's identity with his own need for normalcy.