Nothing Ever Happens Here

by Sarah Hagger-Holt (Author)

Nothing Ever Happens Here
Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
"This title is well written and realistic, with important messages about acceptance, honesty, and family dynamics. Readers will empathize with Izzy and her struggles and will enjoy watching her realize that Danielle is still the same person she always was...The experiences of the characters feel authentic, and the writing style and vocabulary are perfect for middle grade readers...A delightful and refreshing read about a middle grader with a trans parent." - School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW Warm and hopeful, this is a touching and honest depiction of a family changing together-and staying together. "I wonder what people would think if they could take the front off our house like a doll's house and watch us. All in the same house, but everyone separate. No one talking, but everyone thinking the same thing. Will we ever be a normal family again?" Izzy's family is under the spotlight when her dad comes out as Danielle, a trans woman. Izzy is terrified her family will be torn apart. Will she lose her dad? Will her parents break up? And what will people at school say? Now all eyes are on Izzy. Can she face her fears, find her voice, and stand up for her family and what's right?
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Hardcover
$17.99

School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 5 Up--In this touching story, a girl navigates school, friends, and relationships after her father comes out as transgender. Isabel (Izzy) Palmer lives in the small town of Littlehaven, where "nothing ever happens." That is, until Izzy's father, Danielle, comes out to her family as a trans woman. At first, Izzy and her older sister, Megan, are upset. Izzy tries to hide her feelings, while Megan expresses her anger with both parents. But with the passing of time and help from one of Danielle's friends, the girls become more understanding. Then Izzy's classmates find out about Danielle, and life at school becomes uncomfortable. This title is well written and realistic, with important messages about acceptance, honesty, and family dynamics. Readers will empathize with Izzy and her struggles and will enjoy watching her realize that Danielle is still the same person she always was. The experiences of the characters feel authentic, and the writing style and vocabulary are perfect for middle grade readers. The race of the characters is not mentioned. VERDICT A delightful and refreshing read about a middle grader with a trans parent; an excellent addition to all middle grade collections.--Lisa Buffi, Sterling M.S., VA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781499811810
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Yellow Jacket
Publication date
May 04, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039230 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Bullying
JUV013090 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Alternative Family
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Library of Congress categories
Families
Family life
Fathers and daughters
Theater
Transgender people

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