Diet Soda Club

September 23, 2024
High schooler Reed spends most of his time in and out of the hospital taking care of his 10-year-old sister Beatrice, who has spinal muscular atrophy. Ever since the siblings’ father’s recent death in an accident, their mother—who “used to do all the mom things like bake sales, PTA, and help with my homework”—has struggled to manage the household. When her new boyfriend invites her on a weekend getaway, she leaves Reed to care for Beatrice, who’s recovering from pneumonia. After days pass and she doesn’t return, Reed is forced to get creative to make money. He befriends yearbook president Helena to gain access to the club’s ID printer, which he uses to make fake IDs for students in exchange for cash. When Beatrice uncovers his plot, he promises he’ll stop making them. But as the hospital bills continue to pile up and there’s still no word from Mom, Reed is running out of options. Though the mother’s characterization trends toward cartoon villainy, this endearing drama by Hayden (The First Thing About You) shines in its heartfelt depiction of the siblings’ relationship and its sensitive portrayal of Beatrice’s medical experiences. Characters read as white. Ages 14–up.

Starred review from October 1, 2024
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Reed, 17, has spent most of the past 10 years helping his family care for his sister, Beatrice, who was born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Her care is demanding, but Reed doesn't mind. Brilliant, funny, and a computer whiz, Beatrice is his world. Their father died when Beatrice was little, so Reed shares the responsibility with his mother. She's completely stressed out though, so when offered a weekend away with a new boyfriend, she grabs it, leaving Reed and Beatrice stranded. The weekend stretches to a month, and Reed resorts to desperate measures to earn money for their survival. He makes fake IDs with the support of his former best friend, Helena, now the school overachiever, whom he used to sneak diet soda with as children (the pair thought it made them cooler). Reed gets caught, and his mom returns home, leaving plenty to unpack: students at Reed's school who can easily drop $100 on a fake ID; Reed's parentification when his mother checks out; and his quiet despair and sense of isolation. His reflections show a maturity that is unnoticed and underappreciated, spot-on, and difficult to read. The siblings are warm and loving characters with wide appeal, though Beatrice understandably has more of a 10-year-old's rambunctious outlook. Hayden's latest provides moving authenticity.

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October 1, 2024
After his mother leaves, a teen takes drastic measures to support his disabled younger sister. Ever since Dad died, Reed Beckett's mom has been distant, "either working or sleeping," leaving 17-year-old Reed to care for his homeschooled 10-year-old sister, Beatrice, who has spinal muscular atrophy. When Mom starts dating Seth, her behavior grows even more erratic, culminating in her abruptly taking a vacation with him--and leaving Reed and Beatrice alone. As weeks pass, and their food and money dwindle, Reed fears Mom won't return. How will he pay the rent--or the $5,000 deposit for the scoliosis surgery that could improve Beatrice's life? His solutions are lucrative but illegal--if he's caught, Beatrice could be taken away. To pull off his schemes, he'll have to enlist the help of Helena Shaw...the childhood friend he feels betrayed him terribly. Though some plot elements may require suspending disbelief, Hayden, who has SMA himself, effectively explores grief, neglect, and complex family dynamics. While Beatrice's care drives much of the plot, and her precocious hacking skills prove convenient, the tender, frank bond she has with Reed prevents her from being merely a plot device. Reed and Helena's recovering relationship offers thought-provoking insights into privilege and what makes a family. Though Reed's mom's depression and neglect are addressed rather late in the novel, leaving little room for readers to process the topics, the author realistically acknowledges that healing and forgiveness are neither instant nor easy. Most characters read white. Poignant and insightful.(Fiction. 14-18)

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