The List of Things that Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead

Beatrice remembers the day her parents told her they were getting divorced because her father is gay.  They gave her a notebook in which she started a list of "Things that will not change," including, "we are still a family"  and "Mom and Dad still love each other, but in a different way".  That was two years ago, and now Bea's dad is engaged to a really nice guy, Jesse.  Bea is excited about the upcoming wedding, but life is still complicated for her.  She deals with emotions, both good and bad, that are too big for her to handle and has regular sessions with a therapist.  If she can learn to stop and think, control her worry, face a long buried secret, she might just get through this.

Rebecca Stead is an amazing writer and has created a complicated, sympathetic, and courageous little heroine.  The reader can't help but cheer for Bea, even when she makes some choices that are hurtful to others.  I think this book could really be wonderful for a child (or anyone) who struggles emotionally and wonders if "deep down" they really are good or bad. This is certainly on my list of potential Newbery winners in 2021. (218 p. 2020)