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Cover of Book Review Never Grow Up (A Baxter Family Children Story)

Book Review Never Grow Up (A Baxter Family Children Story)

by Karen Kingsbury

Book Details

Publisher:Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Published:2021-04-13
Pages:912
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1534412220

Reading Info

Age Range:5-10

About This Book

When Kari Baxter is assigned an essay about what she wants to be when she grows up, her mind goes blank. She doesn't want to grow up; she wants everything to stay just like it is. But Kari comes to realize that while making time stand still isn't possible, she can enjoy every moment with her best family ever. Meanwhile, Ashley Baxter feels the same way. She is worried her siblings are growing up too fast. When she wins the role of Wendy in her school performance of Peter Pan, Ashley gets an idea

Our Review

This tender family story tackles a universal childhood concernโ€”the anxiety about growing upโ€”through the relatable experiences of sisters Kari and Ashley Baxter. When Kari struggles with an essay about her future, and Ashley worries her siblings are maturing too quickly, the narrative validates feelings many children share. The clever parallel of Ashley landing the role of Peter Pan's Wendy beautifully underscores the book's central theme, creating a gentle exploration of childhood transitions that feels both personal and profound.

What sets this children's book apart is its focus on emotional intelligence and sibling relationships, offering families a comforting conversation starter about change. The resolution, which emphasizes cherishing present moments with loved ones rather than resisting the passage of time, provides a reassuring and healthy perspective for young readers. Parents seeking stories that address developmental milestones with sensitivity will find this a valuable addition to their home library, leaving children with a sense of peace about their own journeys.

Themes

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Juvenile Fiction