Step by Wicked Step

In Anne Fine's "Step by Wicked Step," five children on a school trip find themselves spending a stormy night in an old, reputedly haunted mansion. There, they discover a mysterious diary from a boy named Richard Clayton Harwick, who faced a truly wicked stepfather many years ago. This discovery sparks a profound discussion among the children, as they realize they all share a common bond: they are members of stepfamilies. Each child then bravely shares their own unique story, filled with warmth, humor, sadness, and ultimately, hope. The book offers multiple perspectives on the complexities of divorce, remarriage, and blended families, normalizing feelings of frustration, loneliness, and eventual acceptance. It's an excellent conversation starter for children aged 8-12 navigating similar family changes.

One stormy night, five stranded schoolchildren uncover the story of Richard Clayton Harwick — a boy who many years ago learned what it was like to have a truly wicked stepfather. But the children have stories of their own step-parents to tell — stories that have warmth and humour, as well as sadness, and a fair share of happy endings.