The House Swap

Gr 3-7--Odd-couple duo Allie and Sage will warm readers' hearts as they find themselves in a unique situation where their families swap homes for for the summer, leading to adventures as they discover more about themselves and their new countries. Sage lives a carefree life in California, surrounded by sunshine and the ocean, and all the fun that comes with being a Cali girl. Allie, who is British, dreams of someday being able to investigate unsolved mysteries. The girls are quite different in terms of personality, culture, and family style. While Sage is used to being an only child in a small family, Allie is used to a more crowded home, one that at times makes her feel like she is hidden in the background. Tweens will enjoy getting to know Sage and Allie through their alternating perspectives and will likely connect to their relatable struggles. Sage fears her parents might get separated and Allie feels lost, trying to make sense of how it feels to be a part of such a different family unit than Sage's. In the end, readers will find themselves emotionally invested as both characters learn about what it truly means to be a family, the challenges that come with growing up in different environments, and how hard it can be to find yourself. Both main characters are white. VERDICT A strong, heartwarming coming-of-age tale for tweens, teens, and even adults.--Aurora Dominguez

In a charming novel positioned as The Parent Trap meets The Holiday, Clark (Glitter Gets Everywhere) centers two 11-year-olds navigating their place within their families. Aspiring spy Allegra "Allie" Greenwood, who lives in a small English village near Bletchley Park, is interpersonally direct but still feels invisible within her bustling family. Shy only child Sage Grayson, who's into crystals, resides in a big L.A. house, where she's focused on reminding her parents that they still love one another. When Sage's mother arranges a girls' trip for herself and Sage--a house swap with the Greenwood family--and a pet's illness keeps Allie and her mother from leaving as planned, Allie and Sage quickly become friends. In alternating, distinct voices, they narrate their growing friendship, which involves sharing confidences and conspiring to save Sage's parents' marriage by getting her dad to England. Clark cozily portrays Allie's tight-knit Costwolds village, where Sage is researching her British great-great-grandmother, and establishes both girls' arc toward learning to talk about their feelings and ask for what they need. Involving some basic spycraft, the result is a likable, low-key tale about life's surprises as well as the trials and rewards of family life. Main characters cue as white. Ages 8-12. Agent: Elizabeth Bewley, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Feb.)