Books › Clean Break
Clean Break
First published 2005 · 320 pages
A bittersweet, deeply empathetic look at the messy reality of a family falling apart and slowly figuring out how to piece itself back together.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting at a chaotic kitchen table with a trusted friend who is pouring their heart out. The narrative moves at a brisk, highly readable pace, carried by a chatty and authentic tween voice that never talks down to its audience. It wraps the reader in a mood that is simultaneously heart-tugging and deeply domestic, capturing the specific, bruised atmosphere of a household in sudden transition. The prose is straightforward but emotionally sharp, perfectly mirroring the confusion and resilience of a child realizing that adults are deeply flawed. It is a bittersweet, comforting experience designed for young readers who appreciate honest, grounded stories about navigating family upheaval, finding strength in sibling bonds, and surviving the growing pains of unexpected change.
- Mood
- domestic
- heart-tugging
- chaotic
- hopeful
- Tone
- empathetic
- conversational
- honest
- bittersweet
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- family upheaval · imperfection of adults · sibling bonds · emotional resilience · navigating change
- The writing
- Accessible, chatty, and deeply anchored in a highly observant, authentic tween voice.
- The arc
- Moves from the sudden shock of abandonment through messy domestic turmoil toward a bruised but grounded acceptance.
- Who it's for
- Middle-grade readers who crave realistic, emotionally honest stories about kids navigating the messy realities of adult choices.
Content notes
- divorce and separation
- family conflict
- financial stress
- minor physical injury
About the book
Another superb novel for readers of 8+ from a multi-million-selling author.Em adores her funny, glamorous dad - who cares if he's not her real father? He's wonderful to her, and to her little brother and sister. True to form at Christmas, Dad gives them fantastic presents, including a real emerald ring for his little Princess Em. Unfortunately he's got another surprise in store - he's leaving them. Will Dad's well-meaning but chaotic attempts to keep seeing Em and the other children help the family come to terms with this new crisis? Or would they be better off with a clean break - just like Em's arm?
Description from Open Library.
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