3.5 stars, rounded up.

I'll say at the outset: I liked a number of things about this, even if I had some reservations.

On the plus side, Piper's voice is really clear throughout, and I always understood zir motivations. Zir relationship with zir mom is the driving force behind most of the dubious decisions Piper makes throughout the book, and I think they will be clear to many young readers with parents who are newly dating, and who fear losing their attention (or just fear change in general).

My biggest complaint was how plot-driven this could be at times, in the sense that the characters would do things that didn't seem organic. For example, Piper decides that ze's going to break up the moms, and then a chapter or two later has a conversation with Tru in which Tru suggests the same thing and Piper is like, "What a wild idea, how would I even do that?" The resolution was also VERY rushed, and I wish we'd spent more time on almost all the relationships. Tru (a Black transfemme character) had the potential to be really interesting but came across as more token, and Gwinny (Mom's girlfriend) never felt particularly developed. The writing style made Piper sound pretty mature and self-aware at times, which was one reason some of the sillier plot stuff came across as forced or out of place. Even without plot changes, I would have enjoyed this more if the story didn't frequently gloss over moments of reflection and rush to the next thing as quickly as possible. Then again, it is a middle grade work.

Overall, this was a lot of fun. I liked it, I just saw places where the story could have been stronger. In general, I prefer books that place more focus on character than external action, so many of my hangups are based on personal preference, and thus rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Note for NetGalley only: this book is scheduled in the Trans Rights Readathon 2025 release graphic.]

This middle grade novel is a clever reverse-Parent Trap story that follows Piper Shapiro, a nonbinary kid who's grappling with the changes in their family dynamic when their mom, Noura, starts dating Gwinny. Piper's bond with Noura is beautifully depicted, filled with spontaneous adventures and open communication, making their relationship a joy to read about. Enter Colton -- Gwinny's son, and part of Piper's latest humiliation, and their reluctant partner-in-crime as they hatch a plan to break up their parents and keep their lives as they know it.

What I loved most about this book is how Huntoon balances humor with heartfelt moments. The cruise setting adds a fun twist to the chaos. And, as Piper and Colton navigate their mission, they discover that maybe change isn't so bad after all. This story is a delightful exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of family life -- making it a must read for kids and adults alike!

This is an ultimately heartwarming book that would do well as a movie adaptation. Think a reverse parent trap, which one of the characters mentions herself. However my enjoyment of the book was significantly decreased by how stunningly self absorbed the MC (Piper) is. I think the story is meant to be lighthearted, but it's hard to maintain that vibe when everyone is expected to and does cater to Piper's every passing emotion and (at times unhinged) insecurities. The entire premise of the novel is reliant on a single interaction at a dance, wherein other kids comment on the physical similarities between Piper and Colton (these appear to be dark hair of a similar length and both wearing a white t-shirt and flannel). Piper responds by freezing and nearly crying, whereas Colton passes off the awkwardness with a not particularly. nice, but also not at all cruel, joke about Piper's reaction. Cue a complete meltdown from Piper who views the interaction as traumatic and decides the Colton (whose name Piper could not even remember in the first scene, despite being classmates in three classes) is some sort of villain. This could maybe be written off as the antics of young kids, except every other character (including Colton, who, frankly, comes off more like 52 year old psychoanalyst) is consistently more mature and less convinced the world revolves exclusively around themselves than Piper.

Very fun, sweet middle grade read! Piper and their loved ones are well-developed, compelling characters. It's easy for the reader to empathize with Piper's desire to avoid getting a new step-parent, especially because Piper's mom did seem to be taking things way too fast for any reasonable 8th grader to adjust to. Meeting your mom's girlfriend and her son, and then spending a week on a cruise with them a few days later? Of course Piper freaked out! The interaction between Colton and Piper at the dance was big enough to be understandably upsetting, but also insignificant enough that it makes sense how Piper and Colton could reconcile and become friends. I read this book in one sitting, and I look forward to giving it to library patrons.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC to review. I liked the representation in the book and I liked that it didn't come off preachy. However, I thought that the plot could've been better because I didn't really understand the motivations of the children and why they were acting the way they were.

*4.5 Stars*

A short book but a lot packed in it. I really liked the cruise setting. The main character annoyed me sometimes and I had to remind myself that ze was 12, so immaturity was a given.
I really liked the side characters, especially the moms.
Overall, it was a great read, very short but so sweet and filled with so so many feelings.
I absolutely will have to read more books by Caroline Huntoon.

6th grader Piper is content with zir life, although wishes that there was a way to feel more authentically like zemself at school. After a disastrous school dance experience, ze wants to blend in more than ever. Even worse, zir mom wants to go on a cruise with Piper, Mom's girlfriend Gwinny, and Gwinny's son. Piper begins to plan an epic breakup for the moms. After all, ze wants to keep things the same...

Something this book does very well is walking the line between being a book about a kid who happens to be nonbinary and being a book about being nonbinary. There are elements of both representation and education here for all readers. Kids in particular will empathize with Piper's parent and friend drama, while also getting to read about and experience neopronouns. Some dated pop culture references aside, I think this book will be a meaningful one for individual readers and classroom/library collections.