
Reach for this book when your child is reacting with hostility or sabotage toward a new person in your dating life. Lulu is a relatable protagonist who feels her world is being threatened by her widowed father's new girlfriend, leading her to hatch a plan to make a movie that captures the woman at her worst. While the premise is rooted in the heavy emotions of grief and jealousy, the story maintains a light, humorous tone that makes difficult feelings easier to digest. Appropriate for ages 8 to 12, this chapter book uses a touch of magical realism through an angel in training to guide Lulu toward empathy. It is an excellent choice for parents who want to normalize the 'villainization' of a new partner and open a dialogue about why those defensive feelings happen. By watching Lulu navigate her mixed-up feelings and eventual growth, children can find a safe space to process their own fears about family change.
Reflections on the loss of a mother and the pain of moving on.
The book deals with the death of a parent (mother) and the introduction of a new partner. The approach is direct regarding Lulu's grief but stays secular in its themes, despite the 'angel' character which functions more as a magical-realism plot device than a religious figure. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on acceptance rather than a 'new mom' replacement trope.
An elementary or middle-schooler who is using humor or 'acting out' as a shield against a parent's changing romantic life. It is perfect for the child who feels like they are 'betraying' a deceased parent by liking someone new.
Parents should be aware of the scene where Lulu intentionally tries to humiliate Bonnie on film. It is a great moment to discuss intent and impact, but might be uncomfortable for some to read cold. A parent might see their child being intentionally rude or sabotaging a social gathering to get attention or express displeasure with a partner.
Younger readers will enjoy the slapstick humor of the angel-in-training. Older readers (10-12) will better grasp the nuance of Lulu's internal conflict between her love for her dad and her loyalty to her late mother.
Unlike many 'new partner' books that are purely realistic, the inclusion of the bumbling angel adds a layer of levity and perspective that keeps the story from feeling too heavy-handed or didactic.
Lulu Bliss is a young girl still mourning her mother while navigating life with her single father. When her dad starts dating a woman named Bonnie, Lulu feels replaced and resentful. She decides to use her video camera to create a 'documentary' that captures Bonnie in embarrassing or unflattering moments to drive her away. Interspersed with this realistic drama is a fantasy subplot involving a guardian angel-in-training who attempts to intervene in Lulu's life, often with comedic results.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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