About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the complexities of a blended family, whether they are facing a new step-parent, navigating half-siblings, or feeling the 'loyalty bind' between biological parents. Through a frame story of five classmates stranded at a supposedly haunted house, the narrative explores five distinct experiences of divorce and remarriage. It moves beyond the 'evil step-parent' trope to show that while these transitions are often messy and frustrating, they can also lead to unexpected friendships and new versions of home. Anne Fine captures the raw honesty of middle-grade emotions, from Pixie's resentment of her step-sisters to Colin's deep longing for a father figure who was forced out of his life. This is a vital resource for normalizing the sense of upheaval that comes with family changes. It is best suited for readers aged 9 to 13 who are ready for realistic, sometimes bittersweet reflections on modern domestic life. Parents will appreciate how the book provides a safe space to discuss anger, grief, and the gradual process of acceptance.
