Fella and Zany are two girls that were raised as sisters. Their mothers are a Lesbian couple who had wanted to be married, but didn't live where and when such marriages were legal. When Mama Lacy dies, Mama Shannon is unable to get custody of Fella, since she is not a blood relation, so the family is broken up. The story begins when Zany, who is 16, comes to get Mama Lacy's ashes so that she can scatter them in their old home town as per their mother's dying wish. Fella (age 12) comes along for the wild road trip.Of course the whole purpose of this book is to show that families with same gender parents are still families. It was written before the 2015 ruling that made all same gender marriages legal. It was an enjoyable read, with alternating funny and tender moments. Although some of their adventures are a little over the top, the personalities of the sisters are very believable and sympathetic.
I think it is good that LGBT themes are no longer taboo in children's literature. It helps children and parents learn about and come to grips with a new reality in our society. The thing is, it is all out of proportion. Less than 5% of Americans identify as part of the LGBT community. Right now way more that 5% of characters in children's realistic literature are LGBT or have LGBT parents. I guess they are trying to make up for lost time. (2017, 243 p.)
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