Reading Metrics
Description
When Sydney's older brother is sent to jail, Sydney struggles to find her place at home and the world until she meets the Chathams, including gentle, protective Mac, who makes her feel seen for the first time. The plot contains mild profanity.
Quick Summary
Sydney feels invisible in her own family after her brother's legal troubles, but everything shifts when she meets the Chatham family who shows her what it means to truly belong somewhere. The friendship with Mac feels like finding a secret superpower, the small-town drama with the Chathams keeps pages turning, and Sydney's journey from overlooked to seen hits that perfect sweet spot of relatable and heartwarming. If your kid loves the emotional depth of "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson mixed with the family dynamics of "The One and Only Ivan," they'll be totally absorbed by this. It's ideal for middle graders ages 11 and up, especially those in 6th through 8th grade who enjoy character-driven stories with heart.