The Lottie Project

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to accept a new partner in your life or feels displaced by a blended family transition. Eleven year old Charlie is fiercely protective of her single mom and resentful when a new boyfriend and his son enter the picture. To cope, she pours her frustrations into a Victorian history project, creating an alter ego named Lottie whose difficult life as a nursery maid mirrors Charlie's own emotional struggles. It is a witty, deeply perceptive look at the messy feelings of jealousy and loyalty that come with family change. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's anger while slowly nudging them toward empathy and compromise. The story is realistic and grounded, making it an excellent bridge for starting difficult conversations about why change happens and how to handle it together.