Something is about to happen in Littlehaven, and Izzy’s life will never be the same again.
Nothing Ever Happens – the blurb
This is Littlehaven. Nothing ever happens here. Until the spotlight hits my family.
Izzy’s family is under the spotlight when her dad comes out as Danielle, a trans woman. Izzy is terrified her family will be torn apart. Will she lose her dad? Will her parents break up? And what will people at school say? Izzy’s always been shy, but now all eyes are on her. Can she face her fears, find her voice and stand up for what’s right?
Hello my dad’s name is Danielle
A middle grade book that tackles the issue of transgender – something of a rarity and exactly why Hagger-Holt set out to write it. The subject is handled with sensitivity and if anything I found myself (albeit an adult) wanting it to push further. I found it too convenient that Sam’s dad was also trans, Izzy’s teacher gay and the TV guest the Pastor. It was predictable that Megan’s art was trans related and bully Mia (and Lucas) would have their dressing downs. But this is a middle grade book not a YA that I have been submerged in recently. It had an almost Dumplin’ quality about it with it’s musical ending but again, there is another YA reference. I’ll stop now. I enjoyed it, it’s brilliant that this book is out there and it should be in school libraries available to all.
Book club questions
+++ These questions contain spoilers and should only be used if you have read the book already!+++
- How important was the setting of the book? Would the issues have been any different if it had taken place in a big city like London?
- Izzy’s classmates were set homework of writing a letter to a newspaper Editor. What subject would you write about and why?
- Izzy thinks her family are not good at talking. Can you find examples of other ways in which they communicate in the book?
- Dee’s children are different ages and take the news of her transitioning quite differently. Is it easier to deal with a big issue when you are younger or older? Why?
- The author wrote the book believing there should be books out there for children that deal with transgender. Is it good to read about different issues in books? Can reading about someone with similar issues help you?
If you would like to join in with our Children’s Book of the Month keep your eyes peeled when we announce October’s book in a few days time. Our review with book club questions is usually posted on the last Monday of the month and you can check out previous Book of the Months such as Orion Lost by Alastair Chisholm by clicking on the Young Adult/Kids button at the top of our Home Page. In the meantime we would love to see what you have been reading.