Lizzie McGuire: The 'Rents

In this junior novel, Lizzie McGuire, inspired by a school book, decides she wants to be closer to her mother and become 'best friends.' Her mom is delighted, and they enjoy activities together. However, Lizzie soon finds herself privy to adult information, like her grandmother's marital troubles and her father's past tax issues, which makes her uncomfortable. The story explores the delicate balance a child must strike between growing up and maintaining appropriate boundaries with parents, while also highlighting the importance of spending time with both parents. It's a relatable tale for pre-teens navigating evolving family relationships.

The 'Rents (Junior Novel #20): At school, Lizzie is assigned to read The Orchids and Gumbo Poker Club, which is about a mother and daughter's relationship. She loves the book and wants to get closer to her own mother. Mrs. McGuire is more than happy to spend time with Lizzie. They make pottery together and are best friends. But when Mrs. McGuire tells Lizzie things she doesn't want to know, like that her grandmother wants to leave her grandfather and that at one time Mr. McGuire had a tax mix-up, Lizzie wishes she could go back to being the kid. Can Lizzie strike the delicate balance between being her mother's friend and her daughter? Plus, Lizzie tries to make time to hang out with her dad.