The List of Things That Will Not Change

When eight-year-old Bea's father comes out as gay, her divorcing parents give her a notebook containing "The List of Things That Will Not Change," an accounting that helps the girl navigate her shifting family landscape. Two years later, Bea is thrilled when her restaurateur dad and his adored boyfriend, Jesse, announce their engagement; the only child has always wanted a sister, and she can't wait to welcome Jesse's daughter, Sonia, into the family. But Sonia, who lives in California, has complicated feelings about the situation that surface when she arrives in New York City. It's one of many interpersonal challenges that deeply sensitive Bea--an eczema sufferer who wears her heart on her sleeve--faces that year, contributing to growing feelings of guilt and worry. Newbery Medalist Stead's knack for authentic tween voices ("I didn't think I could live through that moment of everyone looking at me") shines through in a first-person narration that explores Bea's rich inner life as she learns, with help, to manage her anxiety. Bea's interactions with her loving community convey particularly well-drawn dynamics that support themes of building resilience and savoring joy; together, these insightful moments layer into an affecting story of significant middle grade change. Ages 8-12. Agent: Faye Bender, the Book Group. (Apr.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5-8--When 12-year-old Bea's parents first divorced two years ago, they gave her a green notebook in which they had started a list of Things That Will Not Change, with numbers one and two being "Mom loves you more than anything, always," and "Dad loves you more than anything, always." Bea takes comfort in adding to her list; it helps her understand number six: "We are still a family, but in a different way." When Bea's dad and his partner, Jesse, first announce they're getting married, Bea is thrilled--she loves Jesse, and she will finally have a real sister once they're married. Jesse's daughter, Sonia, lives across the country in California, and Bea is anxious that Sonia isn't as thrilled as she is about the prospect of new family members. Bea sees a supportive therapist, Miriam, who assists her with her anxiety, her guilt over how she reacts to stressful situations, and other obstacles she encounters daily. When Sonia comes to New York for a visit, Bea assumes that Sonia doesn't want her to be part of their new blended family. Stead masterfully captures the trials and tribulations both the girls are navigating. As the wedding planning ramps up, so do Bea's anxiety and eczema, and the potential disaster Bea may have caused by secretly inviting Jesse's estranged brother, Mission, to the wedding. Readers' heartstrings will be tugged as the wedding isn't all sunshine and happiness, and family dynamics are shown to be both powerful but sometimes flawed. VERDICT The angst and worries that middle grade readers experience are brought to life through Bea's authentic voice in this must-read title.--Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for The List of Things That Will Not Change

★ "Uplifting without sentimentality, timely not trendy, and utterly engaging." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "An emotional character journey from a middle-grade master." —Booklist, starred review

★ "An affecting story of significant middle grade change." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "The angst and worries that middle grade readers experience are brought to life through Bea's authentic voice in this must-read title." —School Library Journal, starred review

★ "The strength of this novel lies in Stead's authentic, respectful, low-key approach to the emotional life of a ten-year-old as recalled from the perspective of her slightly older self." —The Horn Book, starred review

★ "Ultimately, Bea survives, thrives, and grows as love remains constant but her world gets bigger, and readers negotiating their own changing lives will relate to her challenge and applaud her triumph." —The Bulletin, starred review

★ "A dazzling middle grade novel from Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead." —BookPage, starred review

"An absolute original . . . a story that kids will love." —R. J. Palacio, bestselling author of Wonder

"No author writing today observes young lives with more clarity, tenderness, and grace than the one and only Rebecca Stead." —Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, author of The One and Only Ivan

"Stead truly understands the inner life of kids." —Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly, author of Hello, Universe and You Go First

"From the moon, the wedding, and the cake, to Bea's mind, Rebecca has captured everything so completely, so beautifully. Truly a wonderful work." —Patricia Reilly Giff, author of the Newbery Honor winners Lily's Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods

"This is a story of love that enlarges, even though it is not always easy. We cheer for and are cheered by Bea's quiet triumphs because they are triumphs of the heart." —Gary D. Schmidt, author of The Wednesday Wars and Pay Attention, Carter Jones

"Rebecca Stead's writing is always infused with the tender minutiae of being alive, with the price we have to pay to be human. This book, along with its perfect title, is 'Typical Rebecca Stead.' And that's a heartfelt compliment." —Newbery Medalist Christopher Paul Curtis, author of The Watsons Go To Birmingham—1963 and Bud, Not Buddy