The Vorlob family expected chaos when the new baby arrived, but 10-year-old Adine didn't count on Aunt Irene's extended visit to set off her own stormy responses. Adine discovers a new aspect of family give-and-take, as she realizes difference can mean possibility. A natural mixture of short and long sentences evokes a point of view and builds confidence for young readers. Contemporary details add interest to a short novel designed in several ways as encouragement. (Ages 8-11)

When ten-year-old Adine's mother has a new baby, eccentric Aunt Irene comes to stay and shares Adine's bedroom—events that require a great deal of adjustment.

The Vorlob family is making preparations. Preparations for the new baby, soon to arrive.

Getting ready includes painting a mural in the baby's nursery and making a list of possible names. Adine, age ten, is used to the routine in her big family—she has four sisters already: Bernice, Carla, Dot, and Effie.

This time, however, the routine is broken. In more ways than one. Most significantly, Aunt Irene will be staying with the Vorlobs until Mrs. Vorlob is rested and back on her feet.

Aunt Irene arrives, as does the baby, but nothing goes quite as expected in this classic sibling story. Especially for Adine.

Multiple award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kevin Henkes brings his insightful, gentle, real-world insight to middle grade novels, including:

• Billy Miller Makes a Wish
• Bird Lake Moon
• The Birthday Room
• Junonia
• Olive's Ocean
• Protecting Marie
• Sun & Spoon
• Sweeping Up the Heart
• Two Under Par
• Words of Stone
• The Year of Billy Miller
• The Zebra Wall