Starring Tracy Beaker

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with intense feelings of longing, rejection, or the protective 'tough' shell that often hides a sensitive heart. While it is especially resonant for children in foster or adoptive care, it speaks more broadly to any child who feels like an outsider or struggles to express vulnerability. The story follows Tracy Beaker, a high-energy and often defensive girl, as she lands the lead role in her school play while navigating the deep hope that her absent mother will finally show up. Jacqueline Wilson masterfully captures the voice of a child who uses bravado to mask loneliness. Through Tracy's preparations for the play, parents can help their children explore themes of self-worth and the importance of 'found family' like her foster carer, Cam. It is a realistic, poignant, yet often funny look at emotional resilience for the 8 to 12 age range, offering a mirror for those who feel 'difficult' and a window for those seeking to understand the complexities of different family structures.