Lucy Rose, Here's the Thing About Me

A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to navigate the daily realities of life in two different households after a divorce. It is particularly effective for children who feel overwhelmed by the logistical changes of a separation but still possess a vibrant, quirky sense of humor. The story follows Lucy Rose, an energetic third-grader who has recently moved from Mississippi to Washington, D.C. with her mother following her parents' split. While the book touches on the sadness of missing a father and the awkwardness of new beginnings, its primary focus is on Lucy's irrepressible personality, her relationship with her nearby grandparents, and her attempts to find her place in a new neighborhood. Parents will appreciate how the book normalizes the single-parent experience without making it a tragedy, using a first-person voice that feels authentic to an elementary-aged child.