Kids Book Index
Cover of Unbecoming

Unbecoming

Jenny Downham

Katie feels isolated after kissing her former best friend, while her mother Caroline tightly controls her life. The arrival of Mary, Katie’s estranged grandmother, changes the household. Mary has dementia and requires care, but Katie finds connection in spending time with her and trying to piece together her fading memories. As family stories and long-held secrets emerge, Katie sees the unresolved hurt between Mary and Caroline and learns that parts of her own childhood were concealed. Her growing attraction to classmate Simona becomes part of Katie’s effort to speak honestly about herself.

This book appears on 2 reading lists across 1 edition from 2 organizations.

Back to all books

Book details

Themes
Family · Friendship · Grandparents And Generations · Identity · Self Acceptance
Format
Hardcover
ISBN-13
9780545907170
Language
English
Cooperative Children's Book Center, University of Wisconsin–MadisonCCBC Choices
  • 2017Fiction for Young Adults
See the original list
All books
Cover of We Are the AntsWe Are the AntsShaun David HutchinsonHenry is grieving after his boyfriend’s suicide when aliens abduct him and give him a decision with global consequences. He has 144 days to choose whether to press a button that would prevent the destruction of Earth. Unsure that the world deserves saving, Henry meets Diego, an artist carrying troubles from his past. The science-fiction premise follows Henry as personal loss, uncertainty, and a looming deadline shape his choice about humanity’s future.Fourteen and OlderOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Cover of On the Edge of GoneOn the Edge of GoneCorinne DuyvisIn a future Amsterdam, a comet is approaching Earth, and opportunities to escape on generation ships are reserved for people with money or needed skills. Sixteen-year-old Denise, who is autistic, is determined to get her family aboard despite their lack of eligibility. Her mother struggles with drug addiction, and Denise’s sister is trans. With survival uncertain for those remaining in underground shelters, Denise searches for her missing sister and weighs actions such as deception or sneaking aboard. Her autism shapes how she experiences events without defining all of who she is.Fourteen and OlderOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Cover of UnderwaterUnderwaterMarisa ReichardtMorgan Grant has become increasingly agoraphobic after a mass shooting at her California high school. Panic attacks can be triggered by even the thought of going beyond her front door. Morgan had meant to do something kind on the day of the tragedy, but believes that act played a role in what happened. Her parents’ divorce adds to her isolation. When Evan moves in next door, Morgan feels drawn to him and begins to long again for the life outside that she has been missing.Fourteen and OlderOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details