This is exactly the kind of book we need more of. It doesn't rely on magic or high-stakes villains to keep a kid's attention; it just relies on the truth of what it's like to grow up.
Stead avoids the 'boring' trap by making the emotional stakes feel as high as an alien invasion. If you have a kid who worries, or a kid navigating a divorce, or honestly just a kid who likes a really well-told story, this is a top-tier pick. It’s modern, it’s kind, and it’s actually worth the shelf space.






