Ava's story works because of her clever obsession with wordplay and the awkward, relatable reality of her sibling secrets. The diary format allows readers to experience every public blunder and quiet victory as if they were their own. Books in this family share a focus on creative protagonists, intimate first person narration, and authentic middle school social struggles.
Reach for this book when your child is navigating complex sibling dynamics or when one child is naturally outgoing while another struggles with social anxiety. Ava and Pip offers a gentle, relatable look at how our best intentions to help those we love can sometimes backfire, especially when we don't fully understand their perspective. The story follows ten-year-old Ava, a budding writer who tries to help her shy older sister, Pip, gain confidence through a creative writing project, only to realize that her public words have private consequences. It is a wonderful choice for fostering empathy and teaching children that everyone moves through the world at their own pace. The book is perfectly suited for ages 8 to 12, providing a realistic look at school life, family loyalty, and the power of a sincere apology.
