Hazel's Theory of Evolution

Eighth-grader Hazel, who is white, isn't happy about being redistricted to a new Michigan middle school. Although classmates at her old school teased her about her family's goat farm, where she lives with her interracial mothers (one African-American and one white) and brother Rowan, at least she had a best friend, Becca, who understood her. Starting somewhere new without Becca isn't Hazel's only concern, however. After enduring two miscarriages, one of her moms is pregnant again, and Hazel is afraid that history will repeat itself. She wishes she could hibernate, but then two other outsiders befriend her: transgender girl Carina and Yosh, who sports a green Mohawk and uses a wheelchair. Meanwhile, Hazel feels increasingly distanced from Becca, who is busy with her new cheerleading friends, including the bully who dubbed Hazel "goat girl" in kindergarten. This tale traces Hazel's inner metamorphosis as she navigates change at home and at school. Drawing parallels between Hazel and the misunderstood creatures she reads about in her beloved set of animal encyclopedias, Bigelow (Drum Roll, Please) celebrates intersectional diversity with her cast of well-drawn characters. Through a relatable first-person narrative, she also addresses universal conflicts adolescents face while paying tribute to their individuality. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5 Up--Bookish Hazel Maud Brownlee-Wellington is entering eighth grade with trepidation. Her best friend Becca is at another school, and Hazel is counting down the days until they can be reunited. Hazel thinks she can handle being alone until then, but can she? When Becca starts to make new friends, Hazel wonders if she will be left behind. Her home life has its own challenges, too. Her two moms are newly expecting, but Hazel worries since they have already had two miscarriages. She loves to care for the goats on her family's farm and suffers the nickname Goat Girl. She tries to work out her troubles by writing in her notebook, which she names "Brownlee-Wellington's Guide to Misunderstood Creatures." VERDICT Introspective Hazel feels that she is a misunderstood creature herself, and readers will find her sensitive, reflective nature heartening. Recommended.--Lisa Gieskes, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"This vivid first-person narrative revolves around the well-drawn main character. Bigelow portrays many characters with empathy and skill. A heartfelt novel of family, friends, and change."—ALA Booklist (starred review)