
A parent should reach for this book when their child expresses feeling invisible or lost in the shuffle of sibling dynamics and shared custody. The story follows Hannah, a middle child who feels like a 'plain bagel' compared to her flashy older sister and pampered younger sister. As she navigates living between her mother's and father's homes, she struggles to find a sense of belonging and a unique identity that isn't defined by her sisters or her parents' divorce. It is a comforting, realistic, and often funny look at the internal life of a pre-teen who just wants to be noticed for being herself. This book is perfect for 9 to 12 year olds who are dealing with the logistical and emotional complexities of a split family. It offers a gentle reassurance that it is okay to advocate for your own needs and that finding your voice is a process. Parents will appreciate the way it validates a child's frustration without being overly cynical or dark.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book handles divorce and joint custody in a very direct, secular, and realistic manner. It doesn't promise a parental reunion; instead, it focuses on the logistical 'back and forth' and the emotional weight of feeling like a guest in two different homes. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in reality.
A 10 or 11 year old middle child who feels their personality is being swallowed by their siblings' loud achievements or needs, especially one living in a split-household situation.
Read cold. There are no shocking triggers, but parents should be ready to discuss the 'shuttling' feeling Hannah experiences if they are currently in a joint custody arrangement. A parent might see their child withdrawing or becoming unusually compliant/quiet to avoid causing 'trouble' during a custody transition, or hear the child say, 'it doesn't matter what I want.'
Younger readers (9) will focus on the sibling rivalry and the humor of Hannah’s mishaps. Older readers (12) will resonate more with the search for identity and the nuanced pain of feeling like an afterthought to busy parents.
Unlike many 'divorce books' that focus on the trauma of the split, this one focuses on the long-term 'new normal' and the specific plight of the middle child within that structure.
Hannah is the classic middle child, sandwiched between an older sister who is a dramatic 'star' and a younger sister who gets all the babying. Following her parents' divorce, Hannah feels like she is just a piece of luggage being moved back and forth. The story follows her attempts to establish her own identity (including an interest in fashion and modeling) and her eventual realization that she has to speak up to be seen.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.