Twelve-year-old Bea’s mom and dad have divorced, and many things in her life have changed. She keeps a list of things in her green notebook, however, to remember the things that will remain—in particular, that her parents will always love her and each other. Bea is happy, though, when her dad tells her he is marrying his boyfriend Jesse, whom she adores. She hasn’t met Jesse’s daughter Sonia, though, but is sure they will become fond sisters.
Still, she must cope with homophobia at school, staying in two homes, and a flare-up of her eczema. Sometimes it’s a lot to deal with, and she starts acting out against others and feeling bad inside. She begins seeing a therapist, who helps her recognize and process her feelings. Ultimately, she leans on her list to guide her through the changes in her life and the shifting dimensions of her family.
Newbery Award-winning author Rebecca Stead handles these serious issues with a light but never disrespectful touch. The perfectly imperfect protagonist may resonate with other tweens also experiencing change.
