Squished
by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter
Graphic Novel
Realistic Fiction
* * * * Stars (Great!)
Avery Lee is one of seven kids in her family and she’s kind of tired of having to share space with her younger siblings. She comes up with a plan to have her own room, but when she shares it with her folks, she learns they have already decided to give that honor to her older brother. It’s not fair! While she’s a really good kid, she does have a lot of responsibilities thrust upon her. The younger kids really look up to her and seem to need her help and attention all the time. Anyone would be exhausted and exasperated. Avery tries to come up with other ways to have her own space – like earning money to renovate their basement to add a bedroom. But just as she’s getting started, she learns that they may be moving all the way across the country. Everything will change, and it may ruin the life she’s built for herself (What about her friends? What about school? What about the summer fair?). There’s a fair amount of family drama, but overall it’s plain to see that the kids and their parents love and care for one another and are trying to find ways to co-exist peacefully and meet everyone’s needs. Those with big families will be able to relate! (Kids who have their own rooms will relish their peaceful retreats!) For grades 4-8.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
