About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a difficult transition, financial instability, or feels like they have to put on a brave face for their family. Elsa, a natural-born comedian with a joke for every occasion, narrates her family's struggle as they are evicted from their home and forced into a cramped, dirty bed and breakfast hotel. While the setting is stark, Elsa's voice is vibrant and resilient, providing a safe space for children to explore the reality of housing insecurity and the stress of blended family dynamics. Jacqueline Wilson masterfully balances the heavy reality of poverty with Elsa's infectious optimism and sharp wit. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) because it validates the complicated feelings of being 'the kid who tries to keep everyone happy.' Parents will appreciate how the book humanizes the experience of homelessness, transforming a frightening concept into a story about survival, sibling bonds, and the power of finding your own voice.
