Life in the Balance

by Jen Petro-Roy

Veronica struggles to balance softball, friends, and family turmoil in this new honest and heartfelt middle grade novel by Jen Petro-Roy, Life in the Balance.

Veronica Conway has been looking forward to trying out for the All-Star softball team for years. She's practically been playing the game since she was a baby. She should have this tryout on lock.

Except right before tryouts, Veronica’s mom announces that she’s entering rehab for alcoholism, and her dad tells her that they may not be able to afford the fees needed to be on the team.

Veronica decides to enter the town talent show in an effort to make her own money, but along the way discovers a new hobby that leads her to doubt her feelings for the game she thought she loved so much.

Is her mom the only one learning balance, or can Veronica find a way to discover what she really wants to do with her life?

Genres: Middle Grade, Sports, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult, Addiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Jen Petro-Roy is the author of four middle grade books, all published by Macmillan/Feiwel and Friends: P.S. I Miss You, Good Enough, Life in the Balance, and You Are Enough. She lives in Massachusetts, where she also works as a reference librarian.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

***AUDIO VERSION***
Life in the Balance is a beautiful story about Veronica who discovers her mother is an alcoholic and gets sent to rehab. This book is delicately delivered and very realistic to the listener.
Veronica is an amazing role model for young teenage girls and I could feel her anguish, pain and mixed feelings through this beautiful story.
Veronica doesn't just have mixed feelings about her mum, but also about softball, friendships, parenting, school and life. It highlights the fears of people pleasing as well as parental pleasing as Veronica doesn't want to upset her mother and have her relapse.
I loved that this book delicately and sensitively handled the subject of alcoholism and didn't bring into it the violent or abusive side that is often seen with this type of addiction.
This is a fantastic book for all teenagers.

[Fatirah Murtaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Jen Petro-Roy, the Publisher, Netgalley and Turn the Page Tour team for sending me a digital copy of Life in the Balance in exchange for an honest review.

Life in the Balance is a truly a heartfelt story about a tween character named Veronica who's been trying to cope with the struggles of having an alcoholic mother. Veronica loves her mother so much to the point that they share the same thing; the passion for softball game. Before the condition of her mother being an alcoholic getting worsen, she always trains Veronica to be a good softball player. Veronica even dreams to be accepted into the most accomplished softball team; the All-Star softball team. But to no avail, her dream seems slipping through her grasp when her mother goes to rehab for 2 months in order to treat her alcoholism. Throughout the story, I felt pity for Veronica because she yearns for her mother's presence at times she feels lost and alone. The author did a great job in giving Veronica a distinct voice because it felt so real when she's pressed about the financial problems (she couldn't afford the fees for the All-Star softball program) and the miscommunication she has with her dad (who's juggling about 2-3 temporary jobs in order to support the household and the rehab's cost). This book is written from the first point of view of Veronica. It's undeniably heart-wrenching to read the course of the story from a child's point of view. I didn't know that a simple narration could give a huge impact on me.

Overall, it is an eye-opening read to me. I'll definitely recommend this book to those who have always questioned about uncertainties in their life and for those to appreciate the presence of their loved ones. This story is fully brimmed with a beautifully flawed family, friendships, and the attractive vulnerabilities that lead to a heartwarming story.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK I think this is a book that will be really important to a lot of readers and I think it's a sensitive and helpful portrayal of a family affected by alcoholism and rehab.

that said for a pure reading experience, especially to me as an adult, it came across as pretty didactic to me. I still think it'll be good for kids who are struggling--not just with supporting a family member with alcoholism but also the secondary struggle of feeling overburdened with extracurricular activities and needing to pare down involvement.

So yeah I'd recommend it for young readers looking for this kind of issue book or for adults looking to use it as a conversation starter. If you're just an adult, unaffected by these issues looking for a leisure read, maybe skip.

[Rosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

11 year old Veronica is struggling with a lot of problems right now: she is great at softball but feels too much pressure to match up to her family’s standards in that game; her mother has been diagnosed as an alcoholic and needs to enter rehab if she has to save herself, her job and her family; her best friend’s parents are going through a separation and this seems to be impacting her friendship with Veronica. The book tells us how the little 6th grader manages to keep herself afloat in between all these problems with her wisecracks, her practical approach to life, and her understanding.

The book is full of teenage thoughts and vibes, right down to the lingo used. As the entire book is written in first person from Veronica’s point of view, the view we get is that of a young girl straggling to make sense of the chaos around her. The writing seems very realistic and readers will be able to identify with the insecurities that Veronica is going through. I liked how the book portrays the difficulties of struggling with an alcoholic parent in the family without showing the typical physical abuse or passing out drunk scenes. It shows how alcoholism is actually a disease and those struggling with it need to be supported rather than stigmatised.

The moral ideas presented in the book don’t limit themselves to children. It also shows parents how to treat kids with honesty while teaching children that parents also struggle to show themselves as perfect in their child’s eyes. As a parent, I found my heart breaking when I saw little Veronica struggle to help out in any way she could without adding to the burden of her family, to the point of squashing her own dreams to keep her mother happy. Her understanding, upfront attitude and maturity make her a good role model for little readers. I loved this line: “Sometimes we forget that we don't all have to be superstars.”

The narrator Carrie Burgess does a fabulous job of enacting Veronica with a young and light-hearted voice.

Thank you, NetGalley and OrangeSky Audio, for the Advanced Audio Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.


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[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

After Veronica’s mother enters rehab for alcoholism, the preteen struggles to juggle her conflicting feelings while worrying whether her family can afford her All Star Softball team.

LIFE IN THE BALANCE is an above average story that introduces younger MG readers to alcoholism through Veronica’s story as she struggles to find her voice, open up to her best friend and figure out how she can balance her needs from her family’s. I’m not sure how much the story will feel relatable to kids who don’t have substance abusers in their families. LIFE IN THE BALANCE has the right words (alcoholism is a disease, your mother’s recovery isn’t your job, your feelings are important) but Veronica’s mother’s progress is linear without setbacks which might not be relatable to kids’ whose parents struggle.

A kid-friendly explanation of Schrödinger's cat seemed out of place. I’d rather the writer have used the real version or skipped it.

I’d recommend LIFE IN BALANCE to some younger MG readers, but it should be available in classrooms and libraries.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need more books about family members struggling with addiction. I am glad Al-Anon is featured in the book (although not named). Solid middle grade book that belongs in every middle school library.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book! It was wonderful as the audio!!! I would recommend this to anyone that just needs a quick read!!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Petro-Roy has done it again. Veronica, whose mother Anna is an alcoholic, must manage her family's real and perceived expectations of her and her own expectations of herself when her mother goes into rehab. Veronica and her mother share a lifelong passion for softball, around which Veronica's life revolves. Since tryouts for the All-Star team coincide with her mother's admission to the rehab facility, Veronica's life keels off balance. Can Veronica make the All-Star team? Can her family afford to send her? Through Veronica's internal monologue, relationships with friends and her dad, the reader is given an intimate and realistic look at what life might look like if ever found in a similar situation with a loved one.

Hand this book to any tween or teen living through a close friend's or family's addiction. Petro-Roy portrays Veronica's situation as realistically as possible, and once can't help but root for Veronica and her family.

[Emily Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an important MG read especially for kids who have a loved one that struggles with alcoholism or any addiction.

The main character, Veronica loves softball. It’s her life and it’s the way she’s always bonded with her mom, but when Mom leaves for a month to rehab, Veronica questions what her true passions are and what it means to be a good friend and daughter. She learns along the way, that you don’t have to live a perfect life to be happy and follow your heart. That no one lives a perfect life anyways, and that therapy is really okay!

I really enjoyed this book and how real it felt. I loved Veronica and was rooting for her and her imperfect life! Imperfection can lead to some powerful growth!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the audio version of this book courtesy of #netgalley, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Veronica lives and breathes softball, and has been waiting for years to be old enough to try out for the all-star team – then just before tryouts, her parents announce that her mom’s going into rehab for at least two months to deal with alcoholism. Veronica’s first thoughts – typical and normal for an 11-year-old – are about herself … who will help her practice for tryouts, get her up in the morning, cook, etc. but as the book goes on, she starts to grow and change.
Veronica’s other love is singing, and when her dad tells her they may not be able to afford the all-star league, she decides, along with her new friend Libby, to enter the town talent show to try to win money to cover the costs. The thing is, tryouts are causing her a lot of stress … and singing is just fun …. Does she really want to be on the all-star team after all?
I loved how Libby and Veronica became friends, and also how, once Veronica got up the courage to tell her best friend Claudia what was really going on in her family, the three girls were friends together. It turns out maybe her mom wasn’t the only one who needed to learn balance, and better ways to handle life, but so did Veronica, her father, and the three of them together as a family.
A beautiful, realistic look at addiction and its effects on a family.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only weeks before the All-Stars Softball Team tryouts, Veronica's parents announce that her mom will be going to rehab for two months. Not only will her mom be unable to help her prepare, but their financial situation means Veronica might not even be able to play.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But what if I want to help? What if I can help?" I grip my hands together tightly. "I'm doing everything I can, I promise." A sob gets caught in my throat. "I'm, trying, but it's so hard. I'm doing everything all wrong!"

That text from towards the end of the book tore me apart. I could feel Veronica's emotion. My heart hurt so much for her. As the mom of 11-year old's, I cannot even begin to imagine them going through the life situations that Veronica has to go through. How can she understand everything at just 11 when her father, and most adults, cannot understand the power of alcoholism. Add that on top of everyday life struggles for a middle schooler figuring out who you are, what you like, and cultivating relationships. Veronica is a very strong young lady.

I know that this book is geared toward the middle school crowd, but as a mom of a middle schooler, this book had a big impact on me, especially when Veronica finally opened up and shared her feelings. The pressures that we, as parents, put on our kids is unbelievable, even if we don't intend to. We need to do a better job to ensure our children feel safe expressing their feelings to us and not be afraid of upsetting us or disappointing us. This will open up some interesting dialogue for us and making sure my kids know that this is always a safe space where they can express themselves, even if we don't like what they are saying. Kids have opinions and pressures just like we do as adults and need to be able to lean on us for comfort without fears.

Thank you Jen for bringing Veronica to life. And as I already told you, thank you for the M&M part. Green is definitely better than red.

[Kelly Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved every novel that Jen Petro-Roy has written, but this one may be her best yet. It's impossible not to love Veronica. She's trying so hard to keep her life as normal as possible, but her mom's in rehab (for alcoholism) and she's afraid to talk about it. And she's hoping to make the all-star softball team, because that's something she and her mom always did together. (And it's also a thing that the women in her family do; her great-grandmother was even a member of the Women's Baseball League during World War II.)

But she's also really angry and really sad and really scared (AND really guilt-ridden for it). She clearly feels like it's her job to make everything easier for everyone else, so she pushes all of her feelings down while also lashing out sometimes. (As someone who would rather be angry than sad and scared, I relate.)

This is such a great story and I think it'll help a lot of people. Even if the middlegrade audience reading this don't necessarily have a relative or family friend with alcoholism, I think everyone can relate to uncertainty and major mood swings. (Thanks, pandemic!)

Highly recommended.

[Monica Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be about a girl whose mom is an alcoholic, but it's so much more than that: anyone who has felt pressured to live up to expectations, or who has felt like they had to keep their own struggles secret, or who has had to deal with an imperfect family can find something to relate to here.

[Sara Dempster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veronica's biggest worry is whether or not she will make the All-Star softball team.. That is, until her mom and dad sit her down and tell her that her mom is an alcoholic--and she's going to rehab. She'll be gone for at least a month. After that, it seems like everything is out of whack. It's not just her family that's changing (and, it seems, not for the better); she's now struggling with what seem like competing friendships and even rethinking her commitment to softball. How can she navigate all these changes when she doesn't have her mom at home--and when she's so mad she's not even sure she wants to talk to her, anyway?

I know the author, so I'll start by saying that I'm probably biased, but I really think that once again, Jen's knocked this one out of the park--softball pun absolutely intended. Jen has a talent for finding her characters' voices that I've appreciated in all of her writing. Veronica's perspective will resonate with tween readers whether they've had a family member who struggles with addiction or not. I look forward to recommending this to readers in the library!

[Caitlin Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to put this down. I actually can't bring a lot of books to mind that have a character facing alcoholism in them, and Petro-Roy handled the subject so deftly. A lot of main characters in realistic fiction like this often have it all too-together.
This struck the right balance of 'I know I shouldn't be reacting like this, but even with the knowledge I can't really stop it'-- I think especially today when we're more likely to be on top of mental health and having resources ready at hand, it can be really difficult to make that mesh with how you're actually feeling. Showing a protagonist reluctant to jump in because of fear, even with resources at her fingertips, is really wonderful. Her characters all try to be emotionally honest and it makes for a read that has a lot of Socio-Emotional Learning scaffolded in.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petro-Roy captures the gamut of emotions involved when a parent battles an addiction. In this book, Veronica's mom is an alcoholic. Early in the book, she does enter rehab but the ramifications continue for the whole family. Readers see Veronica cope with her anger and hurt as well as guilt for not doing better. They also see that her dad is not a perfect parent either and makes some decisions that also affect the family dynamics. Veronica's passion is softball and she's the third generation to try out for the all stars team. It's only when she is faced with the possibility that she may not be able to compete, that she takes a hard look at how much softball is really important to her and how much is because of the traditions. She discovers another talent she loves and by the end of the book has found the courage to share her needs with both her parents. She finds a way to stay involved in softball and still have time for music too.
Well shared middle grade novel that invites readers to see this family's struggles and gain courage to face their own family issues.

[Jenny Ashby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been swept away by both of Petro-Roy's previous books and snatched this up on release day. Sadly, it felt more didactic than narrative to me. There's still a need for books about teens dealing with alcoholism so I'll definitely be purchasing this book, I just wish that Veronica's experiences came across as more organic and more like how a pre-teen would actually be handling the issue. What stuck out to me early on (and probably helped color my feelings from that point on) was how vocal Veronica was in telling her mom how mad she was about how alcoholism had affected her life. That seems unlikely, especially since families of alcoholics are often codependent and enabling, not confrontational.

[bjneary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this awesome book for my 2nd #BitAboutBooks Winter Reading Challenge, Direction in the Title. Veronica is the only child of lawyer mom and home salesman dad. She loves softball; her mom and grandmother were stand out softball players and her ability is obvious. Looking forward to an All Star Team tryout; life crashes and burns when her mom reveals she will be going to rehab for alcoholism for 2 months. This changes so much for Veronica and as she decides how to tell her best friend, Claudia about her mom, Claudia has challenges too; her parents are separating. So Veronica does not tell tell Claudia and as time goes on she confides in another friend. Her dad tells her they may not be able to afford the fees for the All Star team, devastating Veronica. I loved Veronica's voice; her anger; her fears, and her vulnerability (that she hides from all). Middle grade readers will identify with the life choices, school drama and family dynamics, Petro-Roy so convincingly portrays in the characters of Veronica, Claudia, Libby, her mom, her dad and scary Coach Ortiz as they navigate the good times and the "new" times in this realistic story of family, addiction, and the many changes and struggles in the life of this young teen. Highly recommended!

[Papergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of Life in the balance courtesy of #netgalley, Jen Petro Roy and the publishers in exchange for a fair review.

Life in the balance is a cute little story about how young softball enthusiast, Veronica copes with growing up with an alcoholic mother. It centres on the period during and after rehab. In the background, Veronica is also trying to be a support to a friend whose parents are going through a divorce.

This book is a subtle message to preteens about how they are not alone in their family struggles. We all have our crosses to bear; our dysfunctionality.

The plot, voice and characters are relatable whilst being likeable. The narration was lively. The book was an enjoyable experience. 5/5.

[Rachel007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s for the opportunity to read this book*

Oh this was so good. Every character felt real. Everyone had flaws. And everyone owned up to them. I liked that there was no mean girl hate in this one. And gosh. Could this possibly top GOOD ENOUGH for me?

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for kids struggling with an alcoholic parent but a little too much of a cheesy ending.

[Cassie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Veronica’s story of understanding (and accepting) her mom’s alcoholism all while navigating her two big talents; softball and choir, making a new friend, a best friend dealing with her parents separation, and her father trying to hold it all together. This is a story that will be a great mirror book for some and window for others.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Macmillan Children's and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

Veronica has much to balance in this middle grade novel by Jen Petro-Roy. She is a talented softball player hoping to make the All-Star team when her mom's alcoholism gets bad enough to require an in-person rehab. Suddenly Veronica is balancing life without her mom around, managing her own schedule since her dad is now working multiple jobs, worrying whether her family can afford her being on the All-Star team, and trying to figure out how to share this private family information with her best friend. Petro-Roy takes a challenging topic, parental alcoholism, and handles it with such sensitivity that I know it will impact readers for which the story is a mirror and those for which it is a window. The stress kids feel around competitive sports will also resonate with readers.

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life in the Balance is a rare portrayal of alcoholism, addiction and rehabilitation in the family — especially in a parent. Sadly, more and more people are misusing drugs and alcohol to cope with life’s challenges, so more kids need books like this.

I loved how realistic Roy’s writing is and loved how Life in the Balance emphasizes the need for community and shows that kids can have more than one close friend. Softball fans and kids considering changing paths or dropping a cherished sport for something else will identify with Veronica’s struggles. I would highly recommend this one to all interested parties, ages 10 and up!

Read my full review on my blog.

Thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne O'Brien Carelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

TY Netgalley for the opportunity to read this beautifully written story. Veronica has a dilemma - should she try to pursue her once-beloved softball? This question takes on new meaning when she's informed thar her mother's going to rehab.
Once again, Petro-Roy captures the thoughts and emotions of middle grade kids who are challenged every day by family struggles, friendship pressures, and the need for support when growing up. Highly recommend!

[Jennifer Hottinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronica’s 6th grade year is not going as she hoped! Mom goes to rehab for alcoholism right when she is supposed to help her prep for softball try-outs. That is not all-she needs her mom and now she is gone, dad is working all of the time, and money for her softball travel team is on the line. Excellent read of overcoming struggles!

[Laurie]

An engaging, relatable story filled with endearing characters. I especially love how this book explores what happens when a kid who enjoys and excels at a sport isn’t so sure she wants the added pressure, intensity, and time commitments that would come with playing at the next level. I haven’t seen a lot of sports books explore that conflictedness and think it’s something many readers will connect with.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate a story about a 6th grade girl realistically struggling with her anger about her mother’s alcoholism. There is enough friendship drama and extra-curricular activity to make certain Veronica doesn’t appear as a one-issue character. Addiction in general, and alcoholism in particular, affects legions of kids and it is refreshing to see it appear in a middle-grade book. Big bonus points for the rounded characters.

[Alyson Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Petro-Roy’s Life in the Balance is a deep and honest novel about the uncertainty and strength that comes with growing up. Readers will find it impossible not to root for Veronica as she faces new expectations and finds the courage to be herself.