I loved this sweet middle grade. I wanted to read this one because Rebecca stead is my partner’s favorite middle grade author and after reading this one I can see why. Stead does an incredible job of writing about the emotional truths of being a tween.

I gave this a three out of five stars. I enjoyed this book but I didn’t love it. I like the story a lot.

The List of Things That will Not Change by Rebecca Stead is an important middle grade read for any teen or pre-teen going through significant changes in their lives. Stead deals with the anxiety and worry of the main character in a way with which many middle graders can relate. I recommend to fans of Stead's other books and those who enjoy authors such as Dan Gemeinhart and Donna Gephart.

This book was fine but it just didn't stick with me. In fact, I read it twice! We read this book in a reviewer group I am in. Some people loved it. So, it was a book I just didn’t connect with.

A timely book that introduces different types of families to middle grade readers with the surprising message of hope that even though life is completely different after divorce, there are some things that will not change.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I read The List of Things That Will Not Change in one sitting and one night. This book is BEAUTIFUL, and it hit me right in the feels. Stead described so many things that I, as a child of divorce, felt but was never able to put into words before. I'm disappointed in myself for putting this one off for so long. This is a book I'm going to be recommending for years to come.

As I’ve grown older, I realize how my perspective has changed, especially when I read different genres and consider which character I am relating to the most. When I read Middle Grade fiction, there is still a tiny part of me that unabashedly relates to the main character, despite what my appearance would lead you to believe. In Rebecca Stead’s newest book, I am acutely aware of being a parent, and in awe of the kindness, empathy, and generosity she has given to her characters. The “list” provides a brilliant device for Bea to work through the lows and highs of divorce and new beginnings. Stead, with her sharp, moving and compelling writing, shows all of us how to approach a complicated life with grace and humor.

A sweet story about a struggling kid in a changing family structure. Her family's support for her, and each other, is heartening. There are some scenes that are a little melodramatic, and a small mystery/secret that's not very hard to figure out, but the novel should engage younger readers' interest.

Ten-year-old Bea is the narrator of this gem of a book. When Bea’s parents announce their decision to divorce and the changes that decision will bring, they give Bea a notebook that has a list of things that will not change. When Bea is stressed and filled with anxiety, she always goes back to that list to remind herself that some of the very important things in her life will always remain the same. The book is such an emotional book, many times I was moved to tears because of how beautifully the author captures Bea’s inner world. Some of my favorite parts were Bea’s sessions with her therapist Miriam. Miriam helps Bea name her feelings and teaches her to how to figure out where she feels them in her body. Often times this isn’t easy even for adults, but Rebecca Stead writes so convincingly and expertly using Bea’s voice. I highly recommend this book for all the tweens and mother-daughter book clubs.

I loved this book. This is a great story about a girl dealing with the separation of her parents. In her attempt to get through it, she begins making a list of the things that will not change and learns the value of her family and the love they have for each other.

Holy crap, I LOVED this cute middle grade. I had no idea how many hard hitting topics this would have and this is the thing that I love about Middle grade books. This was also the perfect way to kick off a month of PRIDE reading.

We follow Bea who has a green notebook with a list of things that will not change. This is given to her by her mother and father when they announce that they are getting divorced. Bea tells us her story leading up to her father's wedding to his boyfriend Jesse. She learns about forgiveness and love and anger and she is subjected to homophobic behavior by family and classmates.

She has a great blended family and she has a new sister that she wants more than anything. She lets anger out on a classmate when this classmate tells her that she won't really be a sister. Jesse has a homophobic brother who sets out to ruin the wedding and to be an absolute jackass.

This was a quick read and it was very wholesome and sweet. One of my favorite quotes is

" Angus asked me once if I thought my dad "turned gay" when he choked on that orange. But Dad said no, that being gay had been a part of who he was from the beginning of his life. The orange just showed him how short life could be."

I love the way Rebecca Stead delicately handles the sensitive issues in this book. As a fifth grade teacher faced with educating all children equitably and recognizing that families come in all shapes and sizes and kinds, this book is the perfect way to facilitate meaningful conversations. Readers will find it easy to bond with characters in this story and learn alongside them on a journey to find themselves.

This fabulous novel deals with so many topics in such a beautiful way. Bea tells her story of how she handles her parents divorce because her father is gay, his upcoming marriage, her struggles with anxiety and friendship, and how she learns to communicate in a way that works for her thanks to her therapist.

It is a thoughtful and effective novel that children will really connect with.

At the heart of it this story is about family. The family you’re born into, that may change over time, the family you find, the family that finds you, and the family you choose that chooses you over and over again. Stunning.

When Bea’s parents divorced, they helped her make a list of things that would never change. That list got longer through the years as Bea grew and life changed, bringing new people into her family, including her father’s new boyfriend, Jesse. Bea is pleased when her dad and Jesse decide to get married though she worries about her mom. While all their friends seem supportive, there are some, even relatives, who do not share their joy. Rebecca Stead writes honestly and beautifully about love, family, prejudice, and the doubt and fear that plague us all.

This book helped one of my students whose parents went through a divorce. Her peers were able to make some connections. This is a great book & glad that I was able to purchase one for my classroom library.

As a result of my various committee appointments and commitments I am unable to disclose my personal thoughts on this title at this time. Please see my star rating for a general overview of how I felt about this title. Additionally, you may check my GoodReads for additional information on what thoughts I’m able to share publicly. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this and any other titles you are in charge of.

This book beautifully portrays what it's like for a child to go through a divorce. Refreshingly narrated with a young woman's list of things that will not change as her anchor in her ever-changing world, this is not a book where parents fight or are unkind to one another. They all work together for the sake of the child, as she navigates the changes in her world.

Fan of Rebecca Stead. Purchased for my ya/middle grade collection. Poetic characters, authentic world building and compelling.

Based on the review copy provided to me, I purchased this book for my middle school library. The tone of this book hits so well, especially right now. My students were looking for a something comforting to sink into and this hit the ticket!