Hazel's Theory of Evolution

Hazel is a thirteen-year-old who lives on a goat farm with her two moms and spends time studying animals and science. When her best friend drifts away and her mother becomes pregnant after two previous miscarriages, Hazel must navigate significant changes in her life. A new school year brings unexpected social challenges as Hazel starts eighth grade at a different middle school. She meets new classmates while trying to maintain her connection with her former best friend and process her complex feelings about her mother's pregnancy. Through her love of science and careful observations of both animals and humans, Hazel works to understand friendship, family dynamics, and personal identity. The story integrates themes of grief, hope, and adaptation while exploring how relationships evolve over time.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of a middle school student dealing with change, grief, and friendship. Many note the natural inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and themes without making them the central focus. Several reviews mention the book's careful handling of anxiety and emotional challenges. Readers highlighted: - Realistic depiction of family dynamics - Representation of diverse family structures - Educational elements about animal care Common criticisms: - Some found the pacing slow in the first third - A few felt the protagonist's anxiety could be repetitive - Minor complaints about scientific terminology being too advanced for target age group Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (50+ ratings) BookPage: 5/5 One parent reviewer noted: "This book helped my daughter understand her own anxiety better." A middle school librarian wrote: "Students connect with Hazel's struggles to adapt to new situations while maintaining old friendships."

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🦋 The author, Lisa Jenn Bigelow, worked as a youth services librarian while writing this book, bringing firsthand experience with middle-grade readers to her storytelling. 🧬 The book weaves real scientific concepts about evolution and animal adaptation throughout the narrative, making it valuable for both emotional and educational development. 👭 This is one of relatively few middle-grade novels featuring a two-mom family, contributing to LGBTQ+ representation in children's literature. 🏆 The book received a starred review from School Library Journal and was named to the ALA Rainbow List, which recognizes quality LGBTQ books for children and teens. 🐾 Animal facts play a crucial role in the story - Hazel lives on a farm with goats and chickens, and her knowledge of different species helps her process emotional situations.