Max and Ella, Stuck Together

Max and Ella, Stuck Together is a positive and empowering story about celebrating your own sense of belonging and identity, and reaching out to those who you want to become part of your past, present and future story.

The author of The Doughnut Club has written another inspiring, energetic and warm-hearted story, narrated by two young characters, brought together initially only by their genetic connection. Ella's dad, Hari, was the donor for Max's mums. Now, as he tries to restore his self-confidence in secondary school, Max wants to investigate how his father's genes might influence a new outlook in life.

Ella, meanwhile, is struggling with the upcoming move to secondary school and her mum's busy job in far-flung places. The last thing she wants is another demand on her beloved dad's affections.

Max and Ella, Stuck Together is a modern, contemporary, family-orientated story that is relevant and relatable. The issue of donor families is written about with sensitive understanding but also with joy and humour. Blended family life is explored from the points of view of both Max and Ella, who are bound to be adolescents that the young reader will connect and empathise with.

With a bonding day out that goes wrong, leaving some of the family in a precarious position on a hiking trip, there is adventure within the characters' emotional journeys. Thoroughly enjoyable and engaging.

272 pages / Reviewed by Jenny Caddick, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Max has two mums and he's always known that he's been donor conceived. He's happy with his family but snide comments from one of his new classmates at secondary school have drained all his confidence. Who is he really?

Ella has different struggles. She loves her dad but misses her mum whose job keeps her away from home much of the time. She likes advance planning. She likes life to be predictable. Now she's in Year 6, though, she knows all kinds of change is about to be thrust upon her.

When their parents throw Max and Ella together for a day of hiking up a mountain, nothing goes as it should. Both are tested to the limit - but perhaps this is what they need to find a new perspective.

First person narratives switch between Max and Ella, and they focus a lot on sharing their feelings as they tell their story in character. The writing is colloquial, self-confessional and unsophisticated, which makes it a very accessible, light read. It also makes the start rather slow.

The story gains momentum and comes alive once they are on the mountain (a symbol, of course, for their coming-of-age journeys). It's a novel about growing up: admitting vulnerability; building resilience and self-awareness; finding an identity.

The twist - and the real significance behind the book - is the way that this is even more complicated for donor-conceived children. The author is passionate about shining a light on unconventional families. This story could be the start of interesting conversations about that, helping to build empathy and understanding.

272 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 11+