Vida Beats the Odds

"A warm, poignant, and surprisingly witty story about families and mental health, filled with gentle humor and heart-pounding emotion." -Ann M. Martin, Author of Rain Reign and A Corner of the Universe, a Newbery Honor book

Vida is only thirteen years old, but do not let that fool you-she works twice as hard as most adults. She helps her overextended mother prepare for her city council speeches; she helps her lab partner, Juliana, control her impulses; and most important, she is a calming influence on her twin brother, Ollie, when he experiences violent episodes they call "Tumults." But sometimes Vida doesn't want to have it all together. Sometimes she just wants a chance to breathe.

Vida Beats the Odds is a propulsive, funny, and emotionally charged coming-of-age novel that has both whip-smart humor and aching humanity. It will be relatable to anyone who has loved and been leaned on, and then been leaned on a bit too hard.