Review: Chickenpox

By Remy Lai

New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2025. Fiction. 235 Pgs.

Abby Lai is twelve years-old and has three younger brothers and sisters who always seems to make the house feel like a chaotic zoo. She tries to spend as much time as she can away from the house and her younger siblings, preferring to hang out with her friends at their homes. Finally she decides to be brave and invites her friends to hang out at her house. Shortly after that one of her friends comes down with chickenpox. Because she was contagious while at Abby's house, all of the Lai kids become infected and must quarantine for two weeks. Abby doesn't know how she is going to endure being trapped inside the house for two whole weeks with her siblings. What could possibly be worse? As the madness of Abby's family threatens to push her over the edge, Abby must find a way to accept her role as big sister.

This is a delightful family story full of friend drama, misunderstandings, and family hijinks that readers can laugh at and relate to. Anyone who has or hasn't had chickenpox will enjoy this fun story about the misery of chickenpox. A recommended read for those who enjoys books like Allergic, Squished, or Smile.

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