Lexie is 10 years old and going to the shore for the first time since her parents' divorce. So this is her first time going without her mom. Shortly before she and her father arrive at the beach house, her father informs her that his girlfriend will be joining them. Lexie has only met Vicky two times. But, she's okay with Vicky maybe coming out for a day. However, when her father tells her that Vicky is staying for the whole week and bringing her kids, Lexie is not pleased. She was looking forward to a week of one-on-one time with her dad.
The reader learns through bits and pieces, comments and observations by Lexie, why her parents' split up. We learn of the effect that the demise of their marriage had on Lexie as she worries about her dad's behavior will lead to a fights with Vicky. After the first few tense moments, she comes to see that Vicky is different than her Mom. The things that would aggravate her mom don't necessarily bother Vicky. In addition, her father acts differently with Vicky. Things that Vicky says that would have caused a fight had Lexie's mom said them, he laughs off.
Lexie is not hoping for her parents to get back together. She has accepted that they will date other people. (she has a good relationship with her mom's boyfriend, George.) but she is not as accepting of having to share her dad with other kids. Yet, her resentment toward moody teenager Ben and sticky-fingered preschooler Harris (who prefers to be called Mack, like the truck) lessen as she spends more time with them.
My only complaint about the novel was that Lexie seemed to come around to quickly to the idea of her father's remarriage. Having a stepfamily sprung on you is a big deal. Yet after spending only a few days with these people, she's okay with it. But after having thought about it more, it does fit with Lexie's character. She isn't upset that her dad is creating a new family. She is angry that he didn't talk to her about it. She got no warning, no heads up that her life was about to drastically change. The author does a wonderful job portraying the awkwardness of two single parents attempting to blend their families. It is also an illustration of the importance of communication with our children. While her father is waiting for the perfect moment to tell Lexie about his plans, she is left feeling out of the loop and abandoned because she doesn't know where she fits in.
Lexie by Audrey Couloumbis is a great summer read for any kid, but especially for kids whose parents are no longer together and beginning to move on with their lives.
Bonus: Illustrations by Julia Denos!
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