
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the introduction of a new step-parent or feels their 'safe' home dynamic is shifting. Through the eyes of twelve-year-old Cherry, this diary-style novel captures the messy, often humorous reality of navigating a blended family. It explores the resentment, embarrassment, and eventual acceptance that comes when a parent remarries, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone that avoids being overly sentimental. It is an excellent choice for pre-teens who appreciate a 'wimpy kid' style format but are ready for more nuanced emotional themes. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's right to feel protective of their single-parent bond while gently showing the path toward a new family normal.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with divorce and remarriage in a very direct, secular, and realistic manner. It doesn't sugarcoat Cherry’s initial dislike of Roland. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: they aren't a 'perfect' family, but they are a functional one.
A 10 to 12-year-old who feels like their world is being invaded by a parent's new partner and needs to see that their anger is normal but not necessarily permanent.
Read the sections where Cherry is particularly mean about Roland's appearance or habits. This is a good opportunity to discuss 'venting' vs. 'disrespect.' No major content warnings, but it’s best read with an understanding of British slang from the 90s. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say 'You're not my real dad/mom' or seeing them withdraw during family outings with a new partner.
Younger readers (9) will focus on the slapstick humor and Skinny Melon’s quirkiness. Older readers (12) will better grasp the subtext of Cherry’s fear of losing her mother's undivided attention.
Unlike many 'problem novels' about divorce, Ure uses humor and the diary format to make the heavy topics feel digestible and relatable rather than tragic.
Cherry lives with her mom and is perfectly happy with their duo until 'The Roland' enters the picture. The story is told through Cherry’s diary entries, capturing her unfiltered disdain for her new stepfather and her deep bond with her eccentric best friend, Melanie 'Skinny Melon' Skinner. The narrative follows the first year of their blended family life, including a move to a new house and the arrival of a new baby.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.