So B. It

Sarah Weeks
43 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2004

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Book Brief

Sarah Weeks

So B. It

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Children`s Literature

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

Tahoe, California • Contemporary

Theme
Family
Topic
Disability
First Publication Year

2004

Publisher

HarperCollins

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

860L

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2004, Sarah Weeks’s middle-grade novel So B. It follows 12-year-old protagonist Heidi as she sets out to discover the truth about her background and family. Heidi grows up not knowing her own birthday, her father's name, or how she came to live in Reno, Nevada with her mentally disabled mother. When she finds an old roll of film from Mama’s past, the photos inspire her to begin a journey to uncover the truth. Topics include homelessness, mental disability, and familial separation.

Emotional

Mysterious

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

37,991 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Sarah Weeks' So B. It is praised for its heartfelt narrative and well-drawn characters, particularly its protagonist, Heidi. Reviews highlight the emotional depth and themes of self-discovery and family. However, some readers find the plot predictable and feel it lacks complexity. Overall, it's deemed a touching, accessible read for young audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read So B. It?

Fans of So B. It by Sarah Weeks, with its compelling narrative and deeply emotional journey, often enjoy stories like Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. Readers who appreciate heartfelt tales featuring unique characters, family dynamics, and the quest for identity will find this book particularly engaging.

4.1

37,991 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

A 12-year-old girl who lives with her mother in Reno, Nevada, and is driven by a deep curiosity about her family background and origins.

Heidi's mentally challenged mother who communicates through a limited vocabulary and shares a loving but mysterious bond with Heidi.

The neighbor who becomes a caregiver and educator for Heidi, offering guidance and support while dealing with her own agoraphobia.

Heidi's grandmother and Mama's mother, whose past actions influence the current living arrangements and secrets surrounding Heidi's family.

A woman Heidi befriends on her bus journey to New York, who inadvertently inspires Heidi to further question her family situation.

A supportive woman Heidi meets on her bus journey who provides comfort and advice, helping Heidi prepare for the challenges ahead.

The administrator of Hilltop Home, connected to Heidi's past and initially reluctant to share the truth about her family.

A resident of Hilltop Home who holds a connection to Heidi's family history and inadvertently aids Heidi in her quest for answers.

A couple in Liberty, New York, who assist Heidi in uncovering her family history and offer her support during her time of need.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Children`s Literature

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction
Setting

Tahoe, California • Contemporary

Theme
Family
Topic
Disability
First Publication Year

2004

Publisher

HarperCollins

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

860L

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