Sutton loves science and coding. Luis loves writing fantasy novels and enjoys pop culture. The two couldn't be any more different, but they've got to find common ground now that their parents are dating.

This story is told in duo perspectives: Sutton's and Luis's. Joy McCullough does a wonderful job at making sure the characters sound authentic for two ten-year-olds and made sure they were always in character. I felt for both Sutton and Luis in their situations. Sutton for missing her mom and feeling like she might lose her Dad as well. Luis for being allergic to everything and wanting to go on adventures.

The only thing I didn't really agree with was the fact it's said that Luis' mom is overprotective... in a way I could see that being the case, but she seemed pretty open minded about Luis doing things on his own. She even admits she feels bad that Luis feels so coped up. Maybe she was before the story starts, but I never felt like she was overbearing. Both Luis and his mom seemed to be prepared for everything, and maybe in a way, they were both a little over prepared for such, but they were both learning how to live with Luis' allergies.

Sutton and Luis both deal with difficult subjects in the novel but each learn to ask for help and that there are multiple ways to get to their answers. They learn to face their fears, both alone and together, and learn to find common ground. This novel is adorable and heartwarming. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to put a smile on their face. ( )

Sutton is all about the facts. She is currently immersed in issues with coding a robot and doesn't care for emotional interruptions into her ordered life. But even she has to admit, just to herself, that she's a little disappointed her mom, who's a scientist in the Antarctic, won't be home for her tenth birthday. Add in her dad's increased interest in the woman he's been dating and she's feels... off.

Luis spends his time immersed in stories, writing and reading about brave deeds and fantastical adventures. Too bad he's never likely to have any of his own, considering his life-threatening allergies, fear of dogs, and his mom's constant worries about him.

Two kids who are more unlike each other could hardly be imagined, but their parents are serious about a relationship and they'll have to make the best of it. Luis is willing to reach out to Sutton and their first "family date" is to a fantasy and science fiction museum. Sutton tries - she really does - but she just doesn't understand fantasy and she's more and more uncomfortable. Her dad gets upset with what he sees as her not trying and now she feels like she's losing her dad too.

Sutton and Luis are both very nervous about the next "family date" they're going on, especially since it involves a hike in the outdoors. Sutton has to give up her tablet, Luis has to brave bees and dogs. And then they get lost. Together. Can them make it alone - and maybe find some common ground after all?

It was nice to see two very different kids finding some common ground and handling big changes in their lives. Their parents love them both and are really trying to do the best for their kids, but sometimes they just don't get it. However, this was just a bit too... out there for my audience. It felt out of touch to me as an adult and I think it will to many of my kids as well. Sutton's dad is a professional musician and her mom is a scientist who researches penguins. They divorced so her mom could pursue her career. Luis' dad is dead and was an immigrant from Guatemala, where he and his mom visit frequently. They live in Seattle. I am... very skeptical about a professional musician being able to afford the kind of lifestyle Martin and Sutton have. In Seattle. Regardless, in my small Midwest town, this is just as much of a different world as another country. Even more so perhaps, as it depicts families that are at least financially stable, in a very urban and diverse environment, with parents who, while they sometimes misstep, are extremely emotionally mature and show excellent parenting. This just... isn't the major experience of the kids I see. These are privileged kids and I frankly found the descriptions of a blended family to be unrealistic at best.

Verdict: Objectively, I'd agree that this is well-written. I can see teachers using it in a class and discussing the diverse characters, metaphors and symbolism, and how the characters navigate change. It has universally positive reviews. However, I think the only kids who would read it would be reading it almost as a fantasy and not as something they'd relate to personally. There's nothing wrong with this, but I wish there were more realistic books about kids dealing with divorce and blended families that my audience could actually relate to.

ISBN: 9781534438491; Published April 2020 by Atheneum; Review copy provided by publisher

Two very different personalities from two maybe or maybe not so very different worlds come together in a touching and engaging tale.

Sutton's parents are divorced, and her mother is constantly away studying penguins. Like her mom, Sutton loves science, but unlike her mom, she's into robots and programming—and she's fairly talented at it too. But when her mom announces she won't be there for Sutton's birthday, and her father gets more serious with the woman he's been dating, Sutton's not sure her life's programming is on the right track.

Then there's Luis. He's allergic to everything...or so it seems. His mom does everything in her power to protect him, but he still manages to stumble from one allergic reaction into the next. When his mom introduces him to her to the man she's dating and his daughter, Luis is willing to give the new people a try, but Sutton is tighter than the magical wards guarding a super treasure. He's not sure he can break through.

This was such a fun book to read! Sutton comes across so single-minded, as she only thinks about her robot, while trying to drown out the thoughts of troubles with her mother. It almost makes her, at times, a bit robotic herself. It's hard not to sympathize with her and her unease at dealing with everyone's relationships. Because everyone feels a little lost sometimes. Luis is a mess with his allergies, and yet, he's got the constant glow of hope...although it's not always bright and clear. His mishaps are the kind which could be almost funny if he didn't always end up with another dangerous allergic reaction. It's hard not to feel for him, and definitely easy to cheer for him as he tries to reach beyond his fears. In other words, both of these characters to hard not to like.

While the tale revolves around Luis's and Sutton's battle to get beyond their own worlds and deal with the new situation, it packs loads of gentle humor and tons of hope. Each page holds something new, making it a hard book to put down. Many young readers will identify with the two characters, and hope they both find their way.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed reading about these two even more than I thought I would. ( )