This is the third Susin Nielsen book I have read and it's the best so far. Contemporary issues for YAs set in Canada. ( )

stewart didnt know if his cat was alive or not and put him in a box after he found him. the cats name is schrodinger... omfg ( )

I had laughed and cried by page twelve! You could get picky and say certain parts of the story seem oversimplified, but it's really a story for the heart - the characters are all in a very emotional and turbulent point in their lives, and I loved being able to see things from both Stewart's and Ashley's perspectives. ( )

Stewart is academically gifted but socially challenged. Ashley may not have book smarts, but she's at the top of the popularity ladder. And their parents just announced that they're moving in together. Stewart is still mourning the death of his mother, but he's glad his dad has found some happiness again. Ashley is still struggling with her parents' divorce and her dad coming out as gay, especially since her dad is now living in the tiny house in her back yard. Cue family drama, school drama, and friendship drama -- is there any way that this new blended family will make things work?

I found this a quick, enjoyable read. Some of the characterization may have been a little over the top -- Ashley's malapropisms set my teeth on edge, for instance -- but the writing was generally strong. I felt that the ending was more aspirational than realistic, but for the target audience, I think that's okay. Recommended for fans of realistic YA fiction that deals with serious matters but also contains more lighthearted moments. ( )

Frequently funny and moving, this story of a blended family is told from dual perspectives—that of a very popular girl and that of her new brother, who doesn’t seem to fit in.