Mia loves spending time with her favorite Uncle Tommy—but when he starts living with another man, Fergus, she resents the intrusion of another person into their fun times.
This 2007 book plays coy with the men’s relationship, and never calls them boyfriends or partners, but it should be clear at least to grown-up readers. Also clear is that Mia’s distress isn’t because their relationship is a same-sex one, but because she just wants her uncle to herself. In the end, however, Mia and Fergus bond over their shared love of soccer and all is well.
Not everyone will appreciate Mia’s antics as she lashes out, pouring sugar on Fergus’ shoes and soaking the toilet paper in water, and animal lovers may not like a reference to Tommy crying while watching a movie “when a dog dies.” I prefer Sarah Brannen’s Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, which feels kinder, overall.
Translated by Elisabeth Kallick Dyssegaard. Out of print, but available used.
