Embracing Complexity: A Personal Review of Family Week by Sarah Moon
There’s something deeply compelling about the way stories breathe life into our shared experiences. When I stumbled upon Family Week by Sarah Moon, I was instantly intrigued—not only because it centers on the nuanced lives of LGBTQ+ kids, but also for how beautifully it captures the universal challenges of adolescence. As an educator and a passionate advocate for diverse narratives, I was eager to dive in, and I must say, this book did not disappoint.
In Family Week, Moon immerses us in the lives of four kids navigating the choppy waters of pre-teen struggles, each layered with the added complexities of their unique experiences. Mac, a trans boy, grapples with the opportunity to attend a gifted school that aligns with his abilities, weighing it against the emotional ties to his twin sister, Lina, and their parents. This setup alone would be enough to fill any middle schooler’s mind with anxiety, but Mac’s journey is further complicated by the fact that he would be embraced in a soccer program there—something he is denied at home.
Then there’s Lina, who faces the bittersweet pangs of first love while grappling with the potential loss of her brother. As someone who knows what it’s like to navigate emotional landscapes—and to feel the thrill and pain of young affection—Lina’s story resonated with me. In her, I recognized a reflection of not only my youth but also the exploration of identity that shapes us all.
Avery’s storyline is equally powerful. She is grappling with her parents’ divorce and the reality of a new step-sibling, wrestling with feelings of guilt over the life she always wondered about—a life with a traditional family structure. These universal stresses and desires are complicated by her unique family situation, making her struggles relatable to many young readers.
And let’s not forget Milo, who, designated as "twice exceptional," provides an illuminating perspective on the often-overlooked complexities faced by kids with diverse learning needs. Kudos to Moon for this exploration, as I believe it is crucial for children to see themselves represented on the page. It struck me as a hopeful reminder for many gifted children who might feel isolated or misunderstood.
Moon’s writing is engaging and touching, weaving together a narrative that is both heartwarming and honest. The pacing is just right, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ lives while reflecting on their own. What I found striking was the author’s deftness in addressing serious topics—like identity, belonging, and the weight of familial expectations—without losing the lightness and warmth of childhood friendships.
As I read through the pages, certain excerpts lingered in my mind. The way the characters celebrated their differences while grappling with the everyday ‘normal’ challenges of growing up—like crushes, academic pressures, and the fear of being misunderstood—left me both inspired and reflective.
Family Week is a treasure that I’m excited to share with my students and add to my Little Free Library. It speaks to kids from all walks of life, especially those who might feel out of place or desire to belong, and it does so beautifully. I truly believe families, educators, and young readers will find value in its pages. This is a book that encourages connection over division, inviting children to see themselves—and others—through a lens of empathy and understanding. In a world where being ‘normal’ can feel elusive, this story gently reminds us all of the power of community and acceptance.
Dive into Family Week—you might just find a piece of your own story reflected back at you.