SuitabookMax and Ella, Stuck Together
Kristina Rahim
- Reading
- Read alongside time for discussion rather than treating donor conception or bullying as side issues. Pause after early school and family conflicts, then revisit whether the children’s cooperation changes your view of them.
- Themes
- Family formation and donor conception: Max’s mums used Hari as a sperm donor, while Ella learns that Hari has a biological son and must adjust to meeting him. The story gives space to different feelings about donor conception and family relationships, but the precise overall judgement is not established.
- Bullying, identity and confidence: Max is targeted because he has two mums and subsequently struggles with confidence, music and performing at a concert. Bullying is presented as harmful, particularly through its effect on Max’s confidence and participation in music.
- Change, friendship and cooperation: Ella faces a changed friendship landscape and a cancelled camping plan, while Max begins a new school year affected by earlier experiences; they are later required to cooperate. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Be ready for conversations about harassment concerning a family with two mums, donor conception, performance anxiety, parental absence, disrupted friendship plans and an accident requiring the children to seek help.