📖 Overview
PJ lives with her siblings and mother in Los Angeles, where they share a small apartment above a liquor store. Her mother is dating Marcel, whose presence brings both new possibilities and uncertainties into PJ's life.
PJ struggles to understand relationships and change as she navigates sixth grade, dealing with shifting dynamics among her friends and within her family. She finds comfort in writing letters to her favorite author while trying to make sense of the evolving world around her.
Through everyday experiences at school, home, and in her neighborhood, PJ faces questions about truth, relationships, and growing up. Her story captures the complexities of early adolescence and shows how family bonds can adapt and strengthen through periods of transition.
👀 Reviews
Readers note that this middle grade book captures anxiety and uncertainty in a relatable way for young readers dealing with family changes. The story follows 12-year-old PK and her evolving relationship with her mother's boyfriend.
Parents appreciate how the book addresses blended families and new relationships from a child's perspective. Several reviews highlight the realistic portrayal of PK's mixed feelings and internal struggles.
Some readers found the plot slow-moving and wished for more resolution by the end. A few reviews mention that younger readers may have trouble connecting with the mature themes.
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (146 ratings)
Amazon: 4.1/5 (6 ratings)
"Perfect for kids experiencing similar family transitions" - Goodreads reviewer
"The character's worries feel authentic but the story drags" - School Library Journal reviewer
"Helped my daughter process her feelings about my dating" - Amazon parent reviewer
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The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff A fourth-grade boy with dwarfism faces challenges with friendships, family changes, and school situations while discovering his place in the world.
As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds Two brothers spend a summer with their grandparents in rural Virginia, learning about family bonds and confronting questions about courage and responsibility.
Rules by Cynthia Lord A twelve-year-old girl balances her relationship with her autistic brother and her desire for a normal friendship with a new neighbor.
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🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Susan Patron worked as a librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library for over 35 years while writing children's books
📚 The book explores themes of uncertainty and change through the eyes of a sixth-grade girl named PK, dealing with her mother's upcoming wedding
🏆 Susan Patron is best known for her novel "The Higher Power of Lucky," which won the 2007 Newbery Medal
💫 The book is part of a growing category of middle-grade literature that addresses blended families and changing family dynamics
🌺 The story takes place in Los Angeles, California, where the author lived and worked throughout her career as both a librarian and writer