The List of Things That Will Not Change

The List of Things That Will Not Change

Juvenile fiction
"1. Mom loves you more than anything, always.
2. Dad lives you more than anything, always.
3. Mom and dad love each other, but in a different way.
4. You will always have a home with each of us."
Bea, protagonist of Rebecca Stead's The List of Things That Will
Not Change, has, like so many children in our country, experienced her
parents' divorce. They'd decided to split up when her father realized
that he was gay. Unlike many divorcing parents, they had put Bea's
welfare first, creating a reassuring list of the important things in
her life that weren't going to change.
Two years later a lot is going to change, although nothing on
the list. Her father is getting married to his beloved Jesse. Bea is
thrilled when she learns that she'll be getting a stepsister her age
with whom she seems to have a lot in common. She's always wanted a
sister...
...Only when Sonia arrives on a week long visit the bond that
Bea is expecting doesn't form. Sonia cries after skyping with her
mother. And those late night lights out chats Bea had anticipated
never happen.
Young readers, especially those who have had to navigate their
own family transitions, will really relate to Bea and her coming of
age narrative.
On a purrrsonal note, well the long weekend wasn't as bad as I
anticipated. Most of it was home working on a piece for a
professional journal, writing, reading, and spring cleaning. But
Saturday Eugene asked me if I was up for a very short drive. We
dropped off Amber's birthday presents from us and his mother and
sister. Amber gave me my Mothers Day gifts. We also stopped off at a
couple of yard sales. At one I bought two Christmas ornaments and a
music box. At the other he bought me a pair of shoes covered with
little cat pictures, hot pink Converse high tops (which I want to get
in all colors possible), and lotion. So maybe even if I can't go as
far afield my summer can include some road tripping and yard saling--
especially after they unlock the DOT outhouses. (Jules)
It's nice to have the fam home for three days. (Tobago)
A great big shout out goes out to our Amber who just turned 32 and her
devoted husband, Brian.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway


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