
Reach for this book when your child feels like a 'bad kid' because of an explosive temper they cannot seem to control. It is an essential choice for children who experience intense shame after an outburst and feel like their brain is working against them. Eleven year old Joey lives in a loving home with two moms and her triplet siblings, but her frequent, violent licks of anger lead to a family crisis and eviction. Desperate for answers, Joey turns to her school science unit on genetics to investigate if her anger is 'built in' by her anonymous sperm donor. This sensitive contemporary novel explores the intersection of biology and emotion, helping 8 to 12 year olds understand that while their feelings are valid, their actions are their own to manage. It is a powerful tool for families navigating behavioral challenges, identity, and the complexities of donor conceived families.
Themes of housing insecurity, eviction, and intense feelings of self loathing.
Joey physically lashes out, resulting in a bruised collarbone for a classmate and a fall for a friend.
This story depicts physical aggression (shoving a peer, throwing objects), verbal outbursts, and a family crisis involving housing instability and eviction.
A middle-grade reader who feels like the "problem child" in their family or school. It is perfect for children who struggle with emotional regulation and feel a deep sense of guilt or confusion about why they "snap."
This book can be read cold, but parents may want to be prepared to discuss the ethics of searching for a sperm donor, as Joey's search is a central plot point. Parents should also be ready to discuss the reality of eviction, which may cause anxiety for some children. A parent might reach for this after their child has had a significant behavioral incident at school or home, especially if the child expressed that they couldn't help themselves or that they feel like a "bad person."
Younger readers (ages 8-9) will likely focus on the mystery of Joey's donor and the visceral feelings of getting in trouble. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of the nature versus nurture debate and will likely relate to the protagonist's burgeoning crush.
Unlike many books that treat anger as a simple behavior to be corrected, Melleby explores the existential fear that one's flaws are hardwired. It brilliantly intersects the search for biological identity in donor-conceived families with the universal struggle of learning to manage a difficult temperament. """
Eleven-year-old Joey is a triplet living in a busy, loving household with two moms. Despite her stable home life, she struggles with explosive, unpredictable outbursts of anger that result in physical harm to others and, eventually, her family's eviction from their apartment. Desperate to understand if she is "born bad," Joey begins a secret investigation into her genetics and her anonymous sperm donor to see if her anger is inherited.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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