What is Stuck in the Middle about?
Leon is one of seven children in his family. They are all confident and happy with loving parents, but Leon feels different much of the time. He needs his alone time, is obsessed with cats and is upset that his best friend has moved away for a year.
A new student named Victor arrives in his class, and decides he’s going to be Leon’s friend. Soon they are seeing each other everyday at school and home, where Leon’s family takes Victor under their wing. This makes Leon feel more alienated, no matter how hard he tries.
Plot summary of Stuck in the Middle (No Spoilers)
Leon knows the exact number of days it will be before his best friend Jacob returns from Alaska. He’s not sure what to do in the meantime, because they did everything together. When a new kid starts at their school, Leon’s teacher tasks him with the job of showing Victor around.
There is no way Leon can accept a new best friend, but looking after Victor isn’t so bad. Victor is a little intense for Leon however, and he struggles a bit with their ‘friendship.’
Victor is hiding something, and when Leon discovers it, he’s confused. Suddenly Leon is not only following him at school, but staying in his room. Leon’s siblings and parents accept Victor whole heartedly, and he them. Although Leon is Stuck in the Middle age wise amongst his siblings, he feels more and more detached, and more and more as if Victor is taking his place
Review
This novel is all about family, being accepted for who you are within that family, and even unexpected dynamics that bring change. The author is one of nine siblings, and this shines through in the dialogue and actions of the main character’s siblings. There are squabbles, teasing and loud chaos, but also love, kindness, and funny banter between them.
Readers will relate to day to day life within Leon’s family home and at school, and also encounter another family who needs a helping hand for a while. Leon is an introvert among the siblings, and easy to like as he reveals his confusion in trying to do the right thing, but dealing with emotions of jealousy, resentment and insecurity.
A funny and authentic real-life read.
Book Style
286 pages / 37 Chapters + Epilogue
Chapter headings indicate coming events
FAQ’s
What age is it for?
9+
Where & When is it set?
An Australian town / Present
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
1st person / Present tense
Is there Violence?
No
What genre is Stuck in the Middle?
Middle-Grade Real Life / Humour
Themes
Family / Change / Friendship
Is it part of a series?
No
If you liked this, you may like:
Author
Anton Clifford-Motopi
Publisher
Allen & Unwin
(2026, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Funny, Humour, Family, Friendship, Emotions, Introvert, Cats, Animals, Homelessness, Kindness, Siblings, Big family, Change, Real Life)