Brady Mason’s Perfect Fit

Gr 5 Up–Brady Mason is a 12-year-old living in group home. She believes her parents were killed in an accident and has spent her life being cared for by foster parents. Brady’s hear about a famous magazine editor who is going public with the fact that she gave up a baby girl for adoption 12 years ago. They reach out to Elena, the editor, and after DNA testing takes place, Brady finds out she is the woman’s daughter. Brady meets and moves in with Elena and must make an adjustment to a glamorous, affluent life with a celebrity mother. Brady’s a sports-loving tomboy who does not feel much of a kinship with the glamorous Elena, and they have a difficult time forging a bond. The plot of this story moves along at a fast pace and should keep young readers engaged and interested. Brady’s friends are well drawn and relatable, and Brady herself is a spunky, appealing girl whose difficulties fitting in at a new school ring true. The book could be used to start a discussion about the difficulties faced by children in the foster care system.