Seasons of Change

Gr 5–8—The final installment in the series is a wholesome read tackling the issues of a blended family. Just as stepsisters Diana and Stephanie are beginning to understand each other, their parents are having marital issues. The girls are dropped off at Diana's grandparents' for a long weekend while Norm and Lynn secretly attend a marriage counseling retreat. The weekend is going great until Diana, an animal lover, hits a deer while driving and Stephanie's mom suddenly arrives to pick her up. Separated, the girls discover that they need and rely on each other and quickly reunite. This realization cements their dedication to keep their family together, whatever the means. Diana's grandparents provide the model of a solid, loving partnership, which contrasts with Norm and Lynn's newer, still-developing marriage. The setting of one weekend is too short to see real character development, but readers do see the girls learn some lessons and grow in that respect.—Tiffany O'Leary, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY