As a (semi) adult reader of Jacqueline Wilson, I have developed and increasing amount of respect for her books and the way they deal with so many awkward gritty issues, like child abuse, divorce, child neglect, etc... And in this book, bad parenting - not by the fathers, but by the mothers. I was touched by this book, highlighting the strength of children in the face of some of the darkest adversity. And the kindness and warmth of strangers, in Bruce. Most of all, it was Mary's story that saddened me. The book doesn't deliver a wishy-washy feel good ending either. Teen pregnancy, delusional mothers, absent fathers ... this book has it all, and gives it to you how it is. And, in the end, family's unconditional.