Summary
Avery has six siblings and feels squished at home, so she’s crushed when her older brother Theo gets the first chance to room alone. She has to share a room with her younger siblings. Her dad is a teacher, and her mom is studying to become a programmer, so that things can be hectic at home. Avery gets a job to earn money and set up a basement bedroom. But, it appears her family will have to move to another city — away from the friends and neighborhood Avery has come to love.
Theme(s):
Family, sibling relationships, and adjusting to change.
Personal Response
I loved the illustrations in this book, and I thought the plot was realistic. Avery also misses her big brother Theo who’s now a teen and no longer as close with her as they used to be when he was a preteen. Another thing I loved was that Avery shares her occasional discontent with being part of a huge family with her mom, who talks about their reasons for it with her. People in Western countries can be funny about larger families, so it was nice to have that addressed.
Teaching Ideas
Students can discuss if they have had any situations similar to the book. Also, they can compare and contrast their family with Avery’s family and represent their family in a family tree.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 05, Grade 06
