logo

48 pages 1 hour read

The List of Things That Will Not Change

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Rebecca Stead

The List of Things That Will Not Change

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Topic
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

680L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead, 12-year-old Bea recounts the changes she experiences in the wake of her parents' divorce, her dad coming out as gay, and his subsequent remarriage to his partner, Jesse. Amidst navigating her own emotional responses and adjusting to a new family dynamic, Bea learns about empathy, the complexity of relationships, and the stability and love that can be found in family. The book addresses LGBTQ+ and anti-gay discrimination and bias.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Contemplative

Hopeful

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.4

9,539 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Rebecca Stead's The List of Things That Will Not Change has garnered praise for its sensitive portrayal of family dynamics and mental health. Critics laud the relatable protagonist and engaging narrative style. Some note that the pacing may be slow for younger readers. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its emotional depth and insightful character development.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The List of Things That Will Not Change?

Readers who enjoy heartwarming, introspective narratives about family dynamics and personal growth will love Rebecca Stead's The List of Things That Will Not Change. Ideal for fans of R.J. Palacio's Wonder and Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie, this book resonates with middle-grade readers seeking emotional depth and realism.

4.4

9,539 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Topic
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

680L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.