This book was very well written and engaging. Like Jen Petro-Roy's previous book (Good Enough), Life in the Balance is an important book for upper elementary school and middle school age readers to have. Veronica's story is impactful and one I haven't seen done much in MG. What I really found great about this book was Veronica - her reactions to her Mom's alcoholism felt true and realistic - she was sometimes bratty, upset, mad, complained, worried, etc. She wasn't perfect and neither were her mom and dad! I also loved that there was no typical mean girl drama, and even though there *was* a bit of drama betwen Veronica and her bff Claudia, there was no real big huge fight about it. (My one hang up was that Claudia and Veronica made up a little too easily for my liking, almost a bit ironically)'


I look forward to recommending this book to fans of Barbara Dee's books.

Throughout my time reading, I kept thinking to myself "this book is a safe space."

What Veronica thinks, feels, and says is not always pretty but it is certainly honest. Veronica's candid inner monologue will help readers appreciate her experience and her journey even if they cannot personally relate to it themselves. The smaller stories such as jealousy about your friends making new friends and choosing between two passions are also realistically portrayed. Readers will feel like they are going along with Veronica every step of the way and will be pleased with her growth.

Veronica's biggest worry is whether or not she will make the All-Star softball team.. That is, until her mom and dad sit her down and tell her that her mom is an alcoholic--and she's going to rehab. She'll be gone for at least a month. After that, it seems like everything is out of whack. It's not just her family that's changing (and, it seems, not for the better); she's now struggling with what seem like competing friendships and even rethinking her commitment to softball. How can she navigate all these changes when she doesn't have her mom at home--and when she's so mad she's not even sure she wants to talk to her, anyway?

I know the author, so I'll start by saying that I'm probably biased, but I really think that once again, Jen's knocked this one out of the park--softball pun absolutely intended. Jen has a talent for finding her characters' voices that I've appreciated in all of her writing. Veronica's perspective will resonate with tween readers whether they've had a family member who struggles with addiction or not. I look forward to recommending this to readers in the library!

Jen Petro-Roy has done it again. Veronica, whose mother Anna is an alcoholic, must manage her family's real and perceived expectations of her and her own expectations of herself when her mother goes into rehab. Veronica and her mother share a lifelong passion for softball, around which Veronica's life revolves. Since tryouts for the All-Star team coincide with her mother's admission to the rehab facility, Veronica's life keels off balance. Can Veronica make the All-Star team? Can her family afford to send her? Through Veronica's internal monologue, relationships with friends and her dad, the reader is given an intimate and realistic look at what life might look like if ever found in a similar situation with a loved one.

Hand this book to any tween or teen living through a close friend's or family's addiction. Petro-Roy portrays Veronica's situation as realistically as possible, and once can't help but root for Veronica and her family.

Life in the Balance tells an incredibly genuine story full of truth and hope. It speaks meaningfully about friendship and family relationships. The main character’s mindset feels very realistic—her decision-making process, her what-ifs and worrying, her feelings regarding her mom’s alcoholism, and her hesitancy to talk to her best friend about the situation all give insight into what someone her age could be experiencing in the circumstances. Anyone who played softball or baseball or another sport or talent based hobby will understand both the joy and the stress that the game/performing can bring. Additionally, this book demonstrates the strengths of therapy and understanding one’s own needs, desires and motivations. I have definite heart eyes for this book.