
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the frustration of a blended family transition or feels that their chores and responsibilities are deeply unfair. It is a perfect choice for children who feel overlooked by a parent or are navigating the tricky emotions of visiting a distant father's 'new' life. In this witty and relatable story, siblings Caroline and J.P. are sent to spend the summer with their father, his new wife, and their young twin half-brothers. Expecting a vacation, they instead find themselves tasked with demanding childcare and coaching duties. The book explores themes of justice, family accountability, and the realization that parents are flawed people. It is ideal for ages 8 to 12, offering a humorous yet honest look at how children can find agency and mutual respect within complicated family structures.
Feelings of abandonment and being unwanted by a father.
The book deals with divorce and parental neglect in a secular, realistic manner. The father's initial lack of engagement is depicted directly, and the resolution is realistic rather than magical. The family doesn't become 'perfect,' but they do reach a functional understanding.
A middle-schooler who feels like their parents don't 'see' them or who is struggling to find their place in a second-marriage family dynamic.
Read cold. The humor is dry and sophisticated, making it a great bridge for kids transitioning to more complex middle-grade fiction. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child complain, 'You only care about the new baby!' or 'Why do I have to do everything around here?'
Younger readers will focus on the humor of the toddler antics and the sports mishaps. Older readers will resonate with the deeper sting of J.P. and Caroline's emotional distance from their father.
Unlike many 'divorce books' that focus on the immediate breakup, Lowry focuses on the long-term awkwardness of re-establishing a relationship with a distant parent through a lens of sharp, unsentimental humor.
Caroline (11) and J.P. (13) Tate are sent from New York to Des Moines to spend the summer with their father, Frank, whom they haven't seen in years. Upon arrival, they discover Frank has a new wife and toddler twins. Instead of a warm welcome, they are treated as free labor: Caroline is tasked with managing the unruly toddlers, while J.P. is forced to coach a failing Little League team. Feeling exploited, the siblings plot 'revenge' through subtle sabotage, but ultimately find common ground with their father and their new siblings.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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