
Reach for this book when your child is facing a change in their personal space, such as moving houses or losing their own bedroom to accommodate a family member. It is particularly helpful for children struggling with the transition of an aging grandparent moving into the family home. The story follows Hannah, who is initially thrilled about a new 'tomorrow room' in her family's new house, only to find out it must be given to her grandfather. It beautifully explores the tension between individual desires and family duty. At just 84 pages, it is an accessible read for ages 8 to 12, offering a realistic look at how empathy can eventually overcome feelings of resentment and loss.
The book deals with the aging of a grandparent and the loss of personal space. The approach is direct and secular. The resolution is realistic rather than perfectly happy: Hannah does not get her room back, but she gains a deeper relationship with her grandfather and a more mature understanding of love.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewAn 8 to 10 year old child who feels their needs are being overlooked because of a family crisis or a change in the household, specifically one who values their privacy or 'special' status.
Read cold. The prose is straightforward. Parents may want to discuss the ending, as it is a compromise rather than a 'wish fulfillment' conclusion. A parent might see their child reacting with anger or 'selfishness' when asked to sacrifice something for a relative. This book provides a mirror for those feelings without judgment.
Younger readers will empathize with the loss of the cool room. Older readers will better grasp the subtle shifts in the grandfather's vulnerability and the parents' stress.
Unlike many books where the child and grandparent are instant best friends, Gleeson allows Hannah to be genuinely angry and reluctant, making the eventual bond feel earned rather than forced.
Hannah and her family move into a new, larger house. Hannah is promised a special room of her own, which she calls her 'tomorrow room,' a space for her dreams and privacy. However, plans change when her grandfather can no longer live alone and needs the room for himself. The story follows Hannah's internal struggle with resentment, her external conflicts with her parents and siblings, and her eventual journey toward accepting the new multigenerational living arrangement.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.