Bugs in Your Ears

After thirteen years of leading a quiet life with her single mom, Carrie's world is turned upside down when her mother suddenly remarries and the two move into the noisy, crowded home of Dominic and his three kids, who Carrie has never even met. She has a lot to get used to, such as sharing a room with sullen older stepsister Ginger, changing schools and being put into the same class as nerdy stepbrother Newton, and dreading the upcoming day in family court, where Dominic plans to legally adopt her. Miserable at first, Carrie gradually begins to understand and accept her new siblings as they begin to warm up to her as well. However, she continues to keep her distance from Dominic, clinging to the dream that her real father, who she hasn't seen in years, will suddenly appear and "rescue" her from this family. This is a nice story about the conflicts that arise when two families blend into one. I read this as a pre-teen in the early 1980's when divorce and remarriage wasn't quite as prevalent as it is today, so it seemed much more unique back then. However, it is still a good story with well developed characters, and I recommend it for middle school aged girls.