
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a changing family dynamic, whether through the arrival of a foster sibling or the feeling that their safe space is being invaded. This verse novel explores the lives of cousins Hannah and Cal. Hannah is a perfectionist gymnast who feels overlooked, while Cal is a grieving boy struggling with the trauma of his mother's death and his father's incarceration. It is an essential choice for helping children build empathy for the unseen burdens others carry. Written for middle grade readers, the story navigates complex themes of belonging, grief, and the 'invisible' wounds of childhood trauma. Parents will appreciate the way it validates the feelings of the child who was there first, while gently humanizing the child who is acting out. It offers a realistic, hopeful look at how families can heal when they learn to communicate and set boundaries with love.
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Sign in to write a reviewA scene involving a dangerous situation with a fire.
Characters struggle with lying and resentment toward family members.
The book deals directly with the death of a parent, incarceration, and childhood trauma. The approach is realistic and secular. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: it doesn't offer a 'magic fix' for Cal's trauma, but rather focuses on the progress made through therapy and family patience.
A middle-schooler who feels like they are competing for attention at home, or a child who is struggling to welcome a foster sibling or extended family member into their private space.
Parents should preview the scenes describing Cal's memories of his father's house, which contain references to neglect and emotional distress. It is best discussed alongside the child to explain why Cal acts out. A parent might reach for this after seeing their child lash out at a sibling or expressing that things 'aren't fair' because a high-needs family member is receiving more focus.
Younger readers (age 9-10) will likely identify with Hannah's frustration over her space being invaded. Older readers (12-13) will better grasp the nuance of Cal's trauma and the complexities of his father's situation.
Unlike many books about foster-like situations, this focuses equally on the resident child's feelings of displacement, making it a dual-study in empathy rather than a one-sided narrative.
The story follows two perspectives in alternating verse. Hannah is a high-achieving gymnast whose world is upended when her cousin Cal moves in. Cal is struggling with PTSD and significant trauma following his mother's death and his father's imprisonment. As their lives collide, both children must navigate their resentment, jealousy, and the search for where they truly belong in a changing family landscape.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.