About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving house or starting a new school, and needs a dose of humor to handle their anxieties. The story follows Stella as she navigates her family's relocation to a quirky seaside town, dealing with the awkwardness of being the new girl while trying to find her place in a sea of unfamiliar faces. McCombie expertly captures the specific brand of embarrassment and loneliness that comes with middle school social dynamics. Parents will appreciate how the book normalizes the messy process of making friends and the inevitable misunderstandings that occur. It is an ideal choice for 9 to 12 year olds who enjoy realistic, lighthearted fiction that feels like a conversation with a trusted, slightly older friend.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals primarily with social anxiety and the fear of rejection. The approach is secular and very grounded in contemporary reality. There are no heavy traumas, making it a safe, low stakes read for sensitive children. The resolution is realistic: Stella doesn't become the most popular girl, but she finds genuine belonging.
