Blended by Sharon M.Draper

Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
On Sale Date: October 30th 2018
Pages: 288
Age Range: Young Adult

Isabella is a tween who's live is split between her two families. Every week at the mall, she is handed over to her mom or her dad (and their new partners) who are divorced. Altough both her families are the kindest possible, Isabella hates being shared between the two of them, and wants everything to be as in a ''normal'' family, as she already finds it difficult sometimes that she is blended; her mom is white, her dad is black, and not everyone is very understandable of that or can accept is as normal. Further on, her mom and dad are fighting over the phone sometimes, which is very hard to bear for her. Isabella loves to play piano, she has a recital coming up sooon and she studies hard for this with her piano teacher. But then, when she is on her way to the recital with her stepbrother, something tragic happens that has a huge impact on her life..

I love Sharon M. Draper's books as they are always good for a story with depth and an outstanding storyline. This book is no exception. It is so nice to read about an original main character like this and a storyline different than anything I read recently. Isabella is a true sweetheart and someone you just want to be friends with her immediately. Her situation is different but also realistic, as so many children/teens are in the same situation like her. So I am pretty sure many readers will recognize themselve in Isabella. What happens to her in the end (I mean the dramatic event that I won't get into much here to avoid spoilers) was just heartbreaking, I felt really sad for her, as she did nothing wrong and was treated quite badly. And that is even and understatement..) also this is a fictional event that, sadly, still happens in the real world.
Like in her other books, Sharon Draper doesn't hold back to include serious real life problems in her books, which is why her books are so realistic, true and outstanding. (and why I like them so much). I think I don't have to explain further why I recommend reading this new and very impressive book!