Reading Metrics
Description
Twelve-year-old Addie tries to cope with her mother's erratic behavior and being separated from her beloved stepfather and half-sisters when she and her mother go to live in a trailer by the railroad tracks on the outskirts of Schenectady, New York.
Quick Summary
Addie is one of those characters who stays with you she's practical, funny, and fiercely loyal despite a home life that's anything but stable. Living in a cramped trailer next to the railroad tracks with her unpredictable mother while missing her stepdad and sisters is tough, but Addie finds ways to make it work, from befriending her quirky neighbors to building a little life for herself in the middle of chaos. The book doesn't sugarcoat how scary and lonely it can feel when a parent isn't okay, but it's also full of warmth, small victories, and the kind of humor kids actually use to survive hard times. This is perfect for readers who love stories with real heart, especially those who enjoyed "Wonder" or books about kids figuring out how to be okay when everything around them isn't. Parents should know there's some tension around the mother's behavior that might hit close to home for some families, but it's handled with real sensitivity and ultimately leaves you feeling hopeful. If you're looking for a book that treats kids as smart enough to handle complexity while still being a genuinely good story, this one's for you.