Get to know the Casson family in this effervescent novel that strikes a lovely balance between humor and poignancy (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

Cadmium Casson is twelve years old the summer that everything changes. Not only are her closest friendships in jeopardy, but her mom is expecting a baby. And when the baby arrives early, Caddys world turns upside down. Her mother spends all her time at the hospital, and her father takes over the household, which of course turns into one chaotic (though hilarious) crisis after the next.

When her charmingly dense boyfriend dumps her, Caddy is at her wits end. Then she discovers that the fragile baby she is so afraid of losing is not an ending, but a beginning for her whole family. And that love and friendship dont need to be destroyed by changethey can be strengthened. Another refreshingly wise, funny, and poignant novel from the inimitable Hilary McKay.