A review by pawprintsinthesink
The Sister Split by Auriane Desombre

funny sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Auriane Desombre’s middle grade debut is a reverse parent trap: what if two potential step-sisters worked together to break their parents up?

Autumn has lived with her mom and brother in New York City her whole life. She and her BFF Saskia finally get to explore the city just the two of them– well, a fifteen block radius of the city. They have the best summer ever planned.

Until Autumn’s mom changes everything with one announcement: she’s marrying her boyfriend and they’re all moving to Connecticut, where he and his daughter live.

Autumn doesn’t want to leave New York, but more importantly, she doesn’t want to leave Saskia. They do what any BFF’s would do: they plot and plan to get Autumn back to the city, and back to Saskia, by breaking up Autumn’s mom and her fiancé.

While Autumn sets out to breakup her mom’s relationship, Saskia is drifting further away. Saskia’s mention of a new friend has Autumn feeling replaced — and just desperate enough to loop her future stepsister, Linnea, into the plan.

Hijinks ensue. Moving truck mishaps, ruined dinners, date nights cut short, venue sabotage, cake tasting disasters– Autumn is one determined saboteur.

But an unexpected wrench is thrown in Autumn’s plans, one that distracts her with endless questions: what if her feelings are more than friendly? What if she has a crush on her BFF?

This book has such humor and heart. Autumn’s attempts to derail her mom’s relationship are laugh out loud funny, while her journey of self-discovery is tender and hopeful. Sister Split does an excellent job of handling big feelings delicately and with great care without shying away from difficult topics. Love, belonging, family, home– these themes are present throughout the novel, subtly supporting the plot.

The Sister Split is a fun book with a lot of heart and depth. Autumn’s new feelings cause plenty of introspection, but it is all balanced with action. This book makes for an excellent summer read!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Random House Children’s publishing for an advanced digital copy such that I could share my honest opinions.

The Sister Split will be available March 14, 2023.