Karen's Little Sister

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the complicated mix of excitement and resentment that comes with a new sibling, particularly in a blended or adoptive family. Seven-year-old Karen Brewer is thrilled when her father and stepmother adopt Emily Michelle from Vietnam, but her joy quickly turns to jealousy when the new baby seems to take over everyone's attention and time. The story provides a relatable look at the guilt children feel when their reality doesn't match their expectations of being a perfect big sister. As part of a long-standing series, this book offers a gentle, secular approach to sibling rivalry and family transitions. It is perfect for early elementary readers who are starting to navigate their own social and family dynamics. Parents will appreciate how the book validates a child's feelings of being 'pushed aside' while modeling healthy ways to voice those concerns and find a new place in the changing family circle.