Six Impossible Things

Gr 9 Up—Nerd-boy Dan is nursing a huge crush on next-door neighbor Estelle but is also coping with the dissolution of his family. His dad recently came out as gay and ruined the family's finances, leaving Dan and his mom no other choice but to live in her late great-aunt's dilapidated house in the suburbs. Meanwhile, he's discovered how compatible he and Estelle are by snooping into her diary, much to his personal shame. Trying to fit in his new school as a former private school student, finally being on speaking terms with his dad, getting a job, and kissing Estelle are just some of the six impossible things on the protagonist's wish list. Wood convincingly portrays Dan as a slightly self-centered teen who believably transforms into a more thoughtful young adult. Whether it's trying to cheer up his mom, whose wedding cake business is going to bust because she keeps convincing brides-to-be in the faultiness of marriage, or pairing up best friend Fred with new friend Lou, Dan begins to put others before himself, becoming more "good" along the way. School dances, first dates, and sneaking out are just some of the high school hijinks that are humorously depicted with a fresh perspective. Secondary characters, such as older brother-type Oliver and Estelle's biting best friend, Janie, add complexity to the narrative. This companion novel taking place before the events of the author's Wild (Little, Brown, 2014) shines on its own merit.