About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as moving between two homes after a divorce, or when they feel the crushing pressure to reinvent themselves to fit in at school. This story follows Ted, a middle schooler who tries to use his parents' split as a chance to leave his old, awkward self behind and debut a new, cooler persona. While the premise is hilarious and full of slapstick comedy, it deeply explores the exhaustion of living a lie and the anxiety of social shame. It is a perfect choice for 9 to 12 year olds who need to see that their messy, authentic selves are far more valuable than any polished facade. Parents will appreciate how it validates the complex feelings of divorce while keeping the tone light and hopeful.
