For the Record - by Monique Polak (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Twelve year old Justine's parents are recently divorced and she and her little sister, Bea, go back and forth between their parents homes in Montreal. Because her mother (whose anxiety manifests itself as the need to control) believes that their father and beloved half-sister are a bad influence on Justine and Bea, she enlists Justine's aid in collecting evidence that would lead to sole custody being granted to her. Justine goes along with this plan, and buys into her mother's view of her father at first, but when she crafts an outright lie for her mother's court case, she starts to question her mother's--and her own--behaviour. When called upon to testify in court in front of a judge who actually cares about Justine and Bea, Justine is able to summon the courage to tell the truth, no matter what the consequences. The book explores the widespread phenomenon of parental alienation, which the DSM-5 calls 'child psychological abuse'"--

Book Synopsis

A middle-grade novel thoughtfully explores the realities of parents' divorce

Twelve-year-old Justine's parents are recently divorced. She and her little sister, Bea, go back and forth between their parents' homes in Montreal. Their mother, whose anxiety manifests as the need to control, believes that their father and beloved half-sister are a bad influence on Justine and Bea. So, she enlists Justine in collecting evidence that would lead to getting sole custody.

Justine accepts her mother's view of her father at first and begins writing detailed notes about his behavior: He doesn't stick to Bea's strict bedtime. He's late dropping them off at school. He makes sandwiches with white bread. But when Justine crafts an outright lie for her mother's court case, she starts to question her mother's behavior, and her own.

This thoughtful, supportive look at parental alienation and its impact on children tenderly balances this difficult topic with moments of joy, love, and connection. Throughout the book, Justine's clever, unique voice guides readers as she navigates complicated family dynamics and summons the courage to tell the truth, no matter the consequences.

Review Quotes

"Children who are going through this same situation, or have gone through it in the past, will appreciate the realistic look at parental alienation syndrome as well as the hopeful ending ... A good choice."

-- "School Library Connection"

"Polak spells out Justine's emotional journey, which will also resonate with readers sensitive to the weighty subject of parental alienation, expounded on in an author's note and resources ... an especially good selection for children navigating family dissolutions."

-- "Booklist"

"Thoughtfully and honestly explores the realities of divorce, anxiety, and how kids are impacted by parental behavior. Justine's voice will grab readers as she navigates changing family situations and the importance of sharing the truth ... Children with divorced parents will see themselves reflected in -Justine's nuanced story."

-- "School Library Journal"

"Polak offers carefully nonjudgmental portraits of both parents as flawed in different ways (and profoundly incompatible) but loving ... Sad--but frank, supportive, and properly free of easy answers."-- "Kirkus Reviews"