Joy McCullough uses contrasting dual perspectives and the tension between logic and imagination to ground a high stakes outdoor adventure. The authentic internal monologues highlight the private anxieties kids feel when navigating new family dynamics. Books in this family share relatable characters with opposing worldviews who must overcome personal phobias to solve problems together.
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major family transition, such as a parent re-entering the dating world or the introduction of a potential step-sibling. It is particularly resonant for children who feel like the odd one out or who struggle to connect with peers whose interests seem polar opposite to their own. The story follows Sutton, a coding enthusiast who loves logic, and Luis, a sensitive writer who lives for adventure stories, as their single parents begin dating. As the two are forced together on a hiking trip, the book explores themes of social anxiety, food allergies, and the vulnerability of opening up to new family dynamics. It is a gentle yet realistic look at how two very different kids can find common ground without losing their individual identities. It is ideal for ages 8 to 12 as they navigate more complex social and domestic shifts.
