These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Benjamin Dean - Author
This is an emotionally engaging family story about a child trying to understand separation, a parent’s newly disclosed sexuality and the limits of fixing adult problems. Friendship, humour and Pride’s community provide energy and hope.
SeparationThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.Parental conflictThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.CommunicationThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.
Consider
Family disruptionEmotional intensityDiscrimination or prejudice
Personalised Fit
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Archie wants to understand why his parents split and believes he may be able to improve the situation between them.MixedMixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.Mixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.
How the book presents it: The story appears to recognise Archie’s pain while moving towards greater honesty and love; it also shows that adults’ attempts to help can miss what a child needs.
Talk about: How does the book distinguish between a child offering support and a child being made responsible for adult difficulties?
LGBTQ+ identity and Pride
Archie learns that his father is gay and travels to Pride, where he encounters a large, varied community and performers who help him.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: LGBTQ+ identity is presented as a meaningful part of family and community life, while Pride is described as both vibrant celebration and a movement with wider importance.
Talk about: What does Archie learn about Pride that goes beyond the event’s public excitement and appearance?
Friendship and unexpected help
Archie travels with Seb and Bell, meets Oscar and Dean, and receives help from drag performers after the group becomes separated.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: How do Archie’s friends and new allies support him differently, and what does he contribute in return?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may offer reassurance to readers encountering changing family structures or communication difficulties, while presenting LGBTQ+ identity as part of family life and Pride as both celebration and movement.
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What Deserves Attention
Family separation, arguments and confusion are central. Anxiety or panic is mentioned as a possible concern. Homophobia is also mentioned as a mild concern, and the journey includes losing contact in a crowd and other obstacles. The tone remains humorous and hopeful.
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A Conversation Worth Having
Could you talk about whether Archie’s wish to repair his parents’ relationship is something a child should have to carry, and how the adults eventually respond to his feelings?
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Reading Approach
Read alongside a child who may find parental separation or identity-related conflict personal. Pause to explain unfamiliar LGBTQ+ terms, discuss Pride’s purpose beyond partying, and allow space for mixed feelings.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Changing family and adult responsibility: The full treatment of the parents’ behaviour and Archie’s eventual role is not available in detail.
LGBTQ+ identity and Pride: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Friendship and unexpected help: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Suitabook