About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the 'invasion' of a new sibling, foster child, or even a long-term houseguest. It perfectly captures the territorial frustration of having to share a bedroom, a best friend, and a mother's attention with someone you didn't choose to have in your life. Jarrett's story is a raw and honest look at the messy feelings of displacement and the slow, often reluctant process of building empathy for someone whose background is different from your own. While the story centers on the foster care system, its themes of jealousy and the pressure to be 'the good kid' are universal for any child in a changing family dynamic. Coe Booth handles the complexities of urban life and the foster system with a realistic, grounded touch that is appropriate for middle grade readers. It is an excellent choice for opening a dialogue about how we can acknowledge our own frustrations while still showing kindness to others who are going through a hard time.
