Mini Mia loves spending time with her favorite Uncle Tommy, who loves music, opera, and people watching, and who calls her “Mini Mia” because she plays soccer like soccer star Mia Hamm. (The girl’s real name is Ella.) When Uncle Tommy starts living with another man, however, she resents the intrusion 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 Mini 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.
Originally published in Sweden in 2006. Translated to English in 2007 by Elisabeth Kallick Dyssegaard. Out of print, but available used.
