ParentsPick

Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel — Content Guide for Parents

By Jazz TaylorScholastic, IncorporatedISBN 9781338803297240 pages
Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel

Found in this book

  • Gender & orientationSupporting

Not found

  • Violence
  • Scary content
  • Religion
  • Race & culture
  • Climate
  • Sexual content
  • Gender roles

Couldn't confirm

  • Profanity
  • Profanity: The sources describe the story but say nothing about the book's language.

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

Get the full theme breakdown in the app

Summaries and source quotes for every theme.

Download for iOS

Example theme card

Religion

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

From the author of Meow or Never, a story about blended families, anxiety, and how a fresh start can be just what you need... even when you least expect it.

Janie believes there's a best way to do everything. When she sticks to a schedule, she and her mom can tackle anything. But Janie's perfect schedule -- and her life -- are getting shaken up this year. Her new stepmom, Keisha, and her daughter, Makayla, are moving in with Janie and her mom.

Worst of all? Makayla brings a cat with her. And Janie hates cats.

Even though it's hard, Janie tries to welcome Makayla to her new school. And honestly, she maybe does too good a job. Soon, Makayla is volunteering with Janie's beloved Sunshine Club, and Janie's friends all love her. The only one who pays any attention to her anymore is Makayla's nosy cat. It feels like her new sister is taking over! What's a gal to do with a copycat in her life?

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    Janie's best friend Dani is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, and Janie's mom and new stepmom are a married couple.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have violence?

    Not found in the sources we checked.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have scary content?

    Not found in the sources we checked.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have religion?

    Not found in the sources we checked.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have race & culture?

    Not found in the sources we checked.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have profanity?

    Couldn't confirm: The sources describe the story but say nothing about the book's language.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have climate?

    Not found in the sources we checked.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have sexual content?

    Not found in the sources we checked.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have gender roles?

    Not found in the sources we checked.

  • Does Starting from Scratch: a Wish Novel have gender & orientation?

    Found (Supporting): Janie's best friend Dani is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, and Janie's mom and new stepmom are a married couple.