
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the burden of caring for a sibling or feeling forced to choose between family loyalty and the desire to fit in with a popular, potentially risky group of friends. Set in 1948, it follows eleven-year-old Skip as she navigates the emotional minefield of moving to a new neighborhood in the Bronx while looking after her sister, Angela, who has an intellectual disability. This story provides a raw and honest look at the guilt, shame, and resentment that can accompany family responsibilities. It is a powerful tool for opening conversations about peer pressure and the difficult realization that our idols are often flawed. Best suited for middle schoolers, it offers a realistic rather than idealized resolution to complex social dilemmas.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe protagonist makes several dishonest choices to gain social status.
Themes of loneliness, social isolation, and the weight of caretaking.
Period-typical language that may be considered insensitive today regarding disability.
The book deals directly with intellectual disability and the social stigma of the 1940s. The approach is realistic and secular. The resolution is not a 'magic cure' for Angela, nor a perfect reconciliation, but a hopeful step toward Skip's self-acceptance and better boundaries.
A 10 to 12 year old child who feels 'invisible' within their family or who is currently being swayed by a charismatic but unkind peer. It is perfect for the child who needs to know that feeling resentful of family duties is a normal, though difficult, human emotion.
Parents should be aware of the 1940s setting. Some language regarding disability reflects the era. Preview the scene where Angela is left alone in a dangerous situation to discuss safety and peer pressure with your child. A parent might choose this after seeing their child lie to cover for a 'cool' friend or witnessing their child express deep frustration or embarrassment regarding a sibling's needs.
Younger readers (10) focus on the 'mean girl' dynamics and the thrill of the dares. Older readers (13) will pick up on the nuanced family dynamics and Skip's internal struggle with her own identity vs. her role as a caretaker.
Unlike many books that sentimentalize siblings with disabilities, Slepian allows Skip to feel genuine anger and shame, making the eventual growth feel much more authentic.
In post-WWII Bronx, Skip's family moves to a new apartment. Skip is constantly tasked with supervising her older sister, Angela, who has a developmental disability. Seeking escape and belonging, Skip becomes enthralled by Jeanine, a charismatic and manipulative girl who leads a local clique. To stay in Jeanine's good graces, Skip begins to neglect Angela and participates in increasingly 'daring' acts, leading to a climax where Angela is put in genuine danger for the sake of a prank.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.