Caddy's World by Hilary McKay

Caddy's World by Hilary McKay - 265 pages

This is a prequel to McKay's series of books about the Casson family.  This book focuses on oldest sister Caddy during the summer and fall when she is 12 years old.  She has three best friends on who she relies to keep her world sane.  She fears change - which is coming whether she wants it or not.  Her mother gives birth prematurely to a little girl, her father has come home from London to stay with the family, and one of her best friends might be moving to Tanzania.  

I love this series of books.  It is an intimate look into a nontraditional family that somehow makes everything always turn out okay.  The books cover both the little everyday events family and friends as well as the big life-changing events that occur in their lives.  Wonderful books!