
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.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book handles international adoption with a direct, positive, and secular lens. It also touches on the logistics of blended families (the 'two houses' lifestyle) in a realistic, matter-of-fact way. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in communication.
A 7 to 9 year old who is typically the 'leader' of their peer group but finds themselves feeling invisible at home due to a new baby or a change in family structure.
Read cold. Parents might want to prepare to discuss the concept of international adoption if the child is unfamiliar with how families are formed through that process. A parent might see their child behaving in uncharacteristically 'naughty' or regressive ways (like baby talk or tantrums) to compete with a younger sibling.
Younger readers (6-7) will focus on Karen's 'funny' mishaps and the cute baby, while older readers (8-10) will deeply resonate with the internal conflict of wanting to be 'good' while feeling 'bad' emotions like jealousy.
Unlike many new-sibling books that focus on biological transitions, this highlights the specific dynamics of a blended family and the unique arrival of an adopted older baby, making it a vital resource for non-traditional families.
Karen Brewer's family is growing. Her father and stepmother adopt a baby girl, Emily Michelle, from Vietnam. While Karen is initially the biggest advocate for the adoption, she quickly finds herself competing with the baby for her parents' time. The story follows Karen as she acts out to get attention, feels deep shame for her jealous thoughts, and eventually finds a way to bond with her new sister while being reassured of her own place in the family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.