Well, heck, this is the cutest book about a 7th grader in West Texas who is adjusting to big changes in relationships, school, and just gosh darn everything. And she’s got a 15 pound cat named Cheese. What could be better?
Patricia “Sweet Pea” DiMarco’s parents recently divorced and have matching homes on the same block. Sweet Pea’s mom, a therapist, believes this will help with the adjustment of spending time in different homes. Sweet Pea’s dad, a painter, helps to make everything identical. Turns out that’s confusing and depressing and even the cat refuses to participate in the routine, yet eerie, swapping of homes.
Sweet Pea’s friends are changing, too, and starting to discover things about themselves that they may not want to share or are too scared to. Luckily, the town’s advice columnist, Miss Flora Mae, lives in the house between Sweet Pea’s parents and provides sanctuary and a job that keeps Sweet Pea busy. Miss Flora Mae is eccentric to the max, but so cool, and gives the greatest advice. However, things take a turn for the worse when Sweet Pea starts secretly answering Miss Flora Mae’s mail and makes a real mess of things.
Fans of Julie Murphy’s Dumplin' will recognize her charmingly honest way with characters and their flaws and how dealing with and learning from mistakes builds a better person and stronger relationships. There’s a lot to take away from this novel for kids and adults.