Stacey's Choice

A parent would reach for this book when their child is caught in the crossfire of a messy divorce or feels pressured to choose sides between two parents. It speaks directly to the guilt and anxiety that children often feel when they are asked to make adult decisions about their living arrangements and loyalty. Stacey must navigate the heavy emotional weight of deciding whether to stay with her mother in Connecticut or move back to New York City to be with her father. The story validates the child's perspective, showing that it is okay to feel angry at parents who put their children in this impossible position. While Stacey eventually finds a resolution, the book is praised for its honesty regarding the messy reality of post-divorce family dynamics. It is an ideal choice for middle schoolers who are struggling with the transition of moving or the shifting landscape of their family structure.