Meant to Be

In this heartwarming companion novel, younger sister Ivy takes center stage as she grapples with anxiety, the joys and pitfalls of new friendships, and her deep passion for baking. Ivy's family is still adjusting after losing their home to foreclosure, and now her parents want to move again, which Ivy resists. When her friend Alice receives devastating news, Ivy accidentally says the wrong thing, leading to a rift. Ivy finds solace and a boost of confidence by working with her building's superintendent, learning practical skills, and realizing that some things, like emotions, are harder to mend than others. This book gently explores themes of change, belonging, empathy, and self-discovery, making it ideal for children aged 4-11.

In a companion to Where the Heart Is, the lens turns to younger sister Ivy as she fields the joys and pitfalls of new friendship, hones her passion for baking, and resists the idea of change. Ivy loves living in Applewood Heights. The family’s apartment is tiny, and her older sister, Rachel, won’t stop grumbling about sharing a room after their old house was lost to foreclosure. But for the first time, Ivy has friends. Lucas and Alice live close by, and every week all three watch their favorite cooking show and practice baking together (even if Ivy has to find creative substitutes for the pricey ingredients). But Ivy is a worrier, and this summer there’s plenty to be anxious about. Her parents can’t wait to move to a bigger, nicer place, which is the last thing Ivy wants. Then Alice receives devastating news, and Ivy somehow manages to say just the wrong thing. Will Alice ever stop being mad at her? Ivy finds much-needed reassurance, and a boost of confidence, when she starts working with the building superintendent, who teaches her how to fix things. Ivy has a natural talent, but she comes to realize that some things—like hurt feelings—are harder to fix than others. Luckily, Ivy is pretty good at making up her own recipes as she goes along. In an honest, hopeful companion to Where the Heart Is, Jo Knowles puts quirky, tenacious Ivy in the spotlight—as she tries to figure out exactly where she’s meant to be.