The List of Things That Will Not Change

by Rebecca Stead

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The List of Things That Will Not Change is a beautifully and sensitively written novel by Rebecca Stead. Released 7th April 2020 by Penguin Random House on their Wendy Lamb imprint, it's 224 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

There are few adult writers in my experience who seem to have a good ear for the actual priorities and inner thoughts of middle grade / tween readers, and Ms. Stead is one of the few. This is a very well written and engaging book which has a frankness and reality which is often missing from juvenile literature. The first person point of view adds another layer of directness and the whole has an authenticity which is arresting.

The blurb description is accurate and complete, so I won't try to reiterate. I'd just add that inclusivity and representation are *SO* vital (for everyone, not just kids). Presenting a new normal and family changes written in a first person voice without ever once condescending or being disingenious to the audience is admirable and the author has done it so well here.

Protagonist Bea is a nice kid, normal, not a paragon of virtue or extremely smart, clever, or athletic. She's "everyman" and that's what made her both sympathetic and relatable. Her family has undergone seismic shifts, her dad is remarrying (a man), which is bringing even more changes (stepsiblings). The reality isn't always the same as the dreams and expectations we have and the author renders the story deftly and well.

This is, and will continue to be, classic children's literature. It shouldn't be controversial in any way, but I fear it will garner resistance from some quarters. This would make a superlative library or class library choice, gift for a young reader, and all ages.

Five stars, lovely story very well told.