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The List of Things That Will Not Change

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The List of Things That Will Not Change
By Rebecca Stead
New York: Wendy Lamb Books, 2020. Fiction.

When Bea's parents got divorced, they gave her a green notebook (her favorite color) filled with a list of things that wouldn't change, even if her parents aren't married anymore. Years later, Bea carries the notebook with her to remind her of the important things - Mom and Dad love Bea and love each other -- and even to occasionally add things to it. When Dad tells her he is marrying his boyfriend Jesse, Bea is thrilled, she loves Jesse and it means she will finally get a sister which is what she most wants. Bea's excitement turns to anxiety when her future step-sister, Sonia, seems a little more apprehensive about the merger. As the wedding day approaches, we see Bea manage her worries and anxieties with the help of her supportive family and therapist Miriam.

Newbery winner Rebecca Stead shows us yet again how good she is at writing tween characters. Told in first-person narration, 12-year-old Bea tells us the details of this story from 10-year-old Bea's life and her voice is always authentic and believable. Bea's feelings are often at the forefront of this heartfelt, character-driven story about a girl coping with her changing life. Readers young and old will love Bea and find a lot to identify with in her story, but middle grade readers will feel especially heard. A beautiful story from a master of tween voice.
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