Leah's mother underwent in-vitro fertilization from a donor bank to have Leah. Later, she married and had a child with her husband and as much as Leah loves her new family, she can't help but wonder about her real father. Who is he? Did he father other children through in-vitro? So against her mother's wishes, Leah decides to try and track down her donor father and half-siblings. This puts a very timely spin on the classic adoptive sibling story.
My So-Called Family
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 5–8—Thirteen-year-old Leah loves her family, which includes her mother, stepfather, and five-year-old half brother, Charlie, but she is curious about her biological father, an anonymous sperm donor. She's also embarrassed by the whole idea and refuses to tell her friends. Without her parents' knowledge, she goes to the sperm bank's Web site and makes contact with a girl her age who was fathered by the same donor. From Samantha she learns that she also has three half brothers. Leah's family has recently moved to the New York City area, where she tells everyone that her father is in Europe, and a new friend encourages her to stop obsessing about the opinions of others. The book raises interesting questions about what constitutes a family. While Leah's character rings true, her new best friend, Charlie, and the nine-year-old half brothers she meets at the end occasionally talk and act out of character for their ages. Still, this is a solid story, providing a fresh take on an issue that's rarely addressed.—Natasha Forrester, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Review
"A thought-provoking and compelling debut, challenging readers to consider, 'What makes a family?'" -- Cynthia Lord, author of Rules
"This story rocks -- it's warm, insightful, and utterly un-put-down-able." -- Lauren Myracle, author of ttyl
"A solid story, providing a fresh take on an issue that's rarely addressed."--School Library Journal
* "Smart, original, and full of vitality."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Her premise is original, and her involving story will invite readers' consideration of the ever-changing meanings of that word family."--Booklist
"This story rocks -- it's warm, insightful, and utterly un-put-down-able." -- Lauren Myracle, author of ttyl
"A solid story, providing a fresh take on an issue that's rarely addressed."--School Library Journal
* "Smart, original, and full of vitality."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Her premise is original, and her involving story will invite readers' consideration of the ever-changing meanings of that word family."--Booklist
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More About the Author
Courtney Sheinmel grew up in California and New York. She is a graduate of Barnard College (part of Columbia University) and Fordham School of Law. You can visit her online at: http://www.courtneysheinmel.com/
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Daphne Grab
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I couldn't put this book down! I fell in love with Leah on page 1 and I couldn't wait to see how her story ended. Leah's journey to find her biological siblings from their shared donor is engaging and real. She faces challenges from friends and family along the way and her revelations at the end of what it means to be a family are true and hard won. The author breathes such life into her characters! Little details make for fully developed people you truly come to care about. My very favorite part of the story was Leah's relationship with her little brother Charlie. I think tween readers will eat this story up and ask for seconds!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Jackie
Format:Hardcover
I loved this book. The main character is so cool. She thinks and acts just like me and all my friends. I was really into finding out what happened to her. Even if you don't always love to read, this book was really worth it!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Roseb24
Format:Hardcover
I bought this book for my daughter and she finished it in one day she loved it so much!!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Realistic
I had to read this book for school. When I started to read, I didn't know what to expect. After a few pages I started to get really into it and I liked it. Read more
Published on May 25, 2010 by Jiana
5.0 out of 5 stars
You Root for Leah...Great Book!
I love this book. It's a wonderful story and a great read. I couldn't wait to find out what happens to Leah, but I didn't want it to end!
Published on October 30, 2008 by Amanda Berlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for teens (and parents, too!)
Terrific writing, a fast-moving, contemporary plot. Courtney Sheinmel really knows how to write for the teen and tween audiences. A must read!
Published on October 19, 2008 by Christine B. Whelan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Family Values
Ever since she was little, Leah's known where she came from: her mother and a donor from Lyons Reproductive Services. Read more
Published on October 11, 2008 by Little Willow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Leah loves her family, she really does, but there just seems to be a hole that just can't seem to be filled. While she has a mom, she doesn't really have a dad. Read more
Published on October 10, 2008 by TeensReadToo
