
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a changing family dynamic, specifically the absence or inconsistency of a parent after a divorce. Olivia Bean is a twelve year old who finds comfort in the hard facts and logical rules of trivia as her own life feels increasingly unpredictable. When she gets the chance to compete on Jeopardy Kids Week, she must balance her academic drive with the emotional weight of her father's new life in another state. This story beautifully validates the feelings of children who feel they must be high achievers to earn a parent's attention. It handles themes of resilience, friendship, and self worth with a light, humorous touch that makes heavy topics feel manageable. It is an ideal choice for middle grade readers who enjoy puzzles and are looking for a protagonist who navigates complex family emotions with intelligence and heart.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book addresses parental abandonment and the pain of a father starting a 'replacement' family. The approach is direct and secular. The resolution is realistic rather than a fairy tale. Olivia does not 'fix' her father, but she finds peace in her own strength and the community that truly supports her.
A 10 to 12 year old who is a high achiever or 'gifted' student, particularly one dealing with a parent who is physically or emotionally distant. It is perfect for kids who love facts, Guinness World Records, or game shows.
Read the scene where Olivia interacts with her father's new life in California. It is poignant and may require a follow up conversation about why some adults make disappointing choices. A parent might choose this after seeing their child become obsessive about a hobby or schoolwork to avoid talking about a difficult family transition, or if a child expresses feeling 'second best' to a parent's new partner or stepchildren.
Younger readers (age 8-9) will focus on the excitement of the trivia and the 'Jeopardy!' dream. Older readers (11-12) will deeply feel the nuances of Olivia's social anxiety and her complex relationship with her dad.
Unlike many 'divorce books,' this one uses the specific subculture of trivia and game shows as a metaphor for the desire for 'correct' answers in a world that is often confusingly subjective.
Twelve year old Olivia Bean is a walking encyclopedia. When she qualifies for Jeopardy! Kids Week, she travels to California hoping the spotlight will finally make her estranged father, who moved away to start a new family, notice her. While the trivia competition provides a high stakes framework, the core of the story is Olivia learning to appreciate the family who is actually present: her supportive mother, her brother, and her loyal best friend Tucker.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.