The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher

Justification

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy is about a modern family of two dads and four adopted boys. This book has been reviewed positively by Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Horn Book Guide and Horn Book Magazine. It was a starred review on Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal.

Response

I figured that reading a LGBT book would be eye opening to me. (a) It was not what I expected. Levy wrote in such a way that the family with two fathers and four adopted boys seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary, a modern family. This is how all books should read no matter the makeup of the family. I came to understand that the family Fletcher’s struggles were similar to that of my own family that looks nothing like the Fletcher’s. Difficult first days of school, grouchy neighbors, making time for family around sports and school events were only some of the struggles the family worked through. (b) This simplistic view of the Fletcher family challenged what I have seen in the world, or at least what I thought I was seeing. I felt that there must be much more emotional struggle with LGBT families. However, I have come to understand that no matter the makeup of the family, they have their own struggles. (f) The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher is a work of literary art. This book about a modern family and their “misadventures” is a beautiful portrayal of what a family should act like- loving.

Conclusion

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher is a great book for middle school students looking to read realistic fiction. This book is recommended for all students regardless of family makeup.It is a great addition to any children’s library collection.

Citation

Levy, D. (2015). The misadventures of the family Fletcher. A Yearling Book.