The In-Between
What’s inside...
For fans of Enchanted Air by Margarita Engle and Life in Motion by Misty Copeland, this middle grade memoir in verse with “stellar writing [and] perfect pacing” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) chronicles a young girl and her family who must start over after losing their home. In the early 2000s, thirteen-year-old Katie Van Heidrich has moved more times than she can count, for as long as she can remember. There were the slow moves where you see the whole thing coming. There were the fast ones where you grab what you can in seconds. When Katie and her family come back from an out-of-town funeral, they discover their landlord has unceremoniously evicted them, forcing them to pack lightly and move quickly. They make their way to an Extended Stay America Motel, with Katie’s mother promising it’s temporary. Within the four walls of their new home, Katie and her siblings, Josh and Haley, try to live a normal life—all while wondering if things would be easier living with their father. Lyrical and forthcoming, Katie navigates the complexities that come with living in between homes, parents, and childhood and young adulthood, all while remaining hopeful for the future.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they were in the 'in-between' place?
How do the different settings in the story change how the characters act and feel?
If you were in the same situation as the protagonist, what would you do differently?
Why do you think the author chose 'The In-Between' as the title for this story?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the 'in-between' scenarios, and ask how they might feel or react in those situations.
Discuss the changes in the setting of the story, and how each setting might influence the mood or actions of the characters.
After your child answers a question, share your own thoughts to stimulate a two-way conversation.
Relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations your child might encounter, helping them connect with the story on a personal level.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts to foster a positive and encouraging environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The story illustrates the journey of the main character as they navigate through various transitional phases, learning to adapt and find comfort in the new and unknown.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach changes in life, such as moving to a new school or city, with a positive and open mindset.
Example Lesson: Valuing Friendship
Explanation: The narrative highlights the importance of friendship through the supportive interactions between characters during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of building and maintaining friendships, encouraging them to be supportive and kind to their peers.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: As the protagonist faces obstacles in the story, their courage and resilience are put to the test, showing how they overcome fears with bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and challenges bravely, understanding that it's okay to be scared but important to keep trying.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Empathy
Explanation: The book portrays various characters from different backgrounds, highlighting how understanding and empathizing with others can lead to stronger connections and community.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity and practice empathy in their daily interactions, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: The Power of Curiosity
Explanation: Curiosity drives the main character to explore and discover, leading to personal growth and new friendships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the world around them, promoting lifelong learning and exploration.