By Marcy Campbell
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“Rule of Threes’. . . knockout premise is entirely Campbell's. . . . [M]eticulously crafted. . .” —Shelf Awareness
"Campbell portrays Maggie's complex troubles sympathetically while still pushing back on her insecure insularity through characterization, and gradually, Maggie grows to become more open to change and empathy. Her problems are a lot for a sixth-grader to handle, which makes her personal victory more meaningful." —Booklist
"Threaded with relevant design precepts, Campbell's engaging tale of redefining family is anchored by occasionally prickly Maggie's voice as she learns to loosen her own rules and find harmony in the imperfect." —Publishers Weekly
"Campbell effectively highlights the small details that make the family feel authentic. . . and allows the title rule (which identifies the elements of good design) to shape the story without being an overwhelming metaphor. Issues of drug abuse are handled in an age-appropriate way, and the balance of high- and low-stakes problems in Maggie's world is effective." —The Horn Book Magazine
“I loved this book. It's an honest, empathetic, insightful ode to the resilience of family.” —Sara Pennypacker, award-winning author
“Complex and stirring. This heartfelt novel shows us that some rules are meant to be broken, and that families can be rebuilt to make room for the people you love.” —Sheela Chari, Edgar Award finalist
“A tenderly told story about growing up in a family where everything suddenly seems to be changing. With tons of heart, Campbell tackles the tough issues and shows readers a wider view of what love and family really mean.” —Shelley Pearsall, author of Things Seen From Above
“With layered characters and realistic emotions, this book stands out for its honest portrayal of love's challenging terrain. A deeply satisfying read about renewed friendship and reconfigured family.” —Rebecca Balcárcel, author of the Pura Belpré Honor Book The Other Half of Happy