Ivy, 11, and her sister Lacey, 15, have always gotten along fairly well. Ivy even thought they liked each other. But she's thinking that one over again. One night, out of the blue, Lacey tells her, "I hated it when you were born." Say what? Ivy acts cool, but Lacey's comment really hurt her. Why is Lacey being mean to her?

Everything else in her life is turning topsy-turvy, too. The same day that Lacey drops the bombshell, their parents have a big fight. Their mother, after giving their father the silent treatment for a whole week, finally decides to talk to him. Don't take that new job, she says, or get out of the house. He decides to get out of the house. And Lacey goes with him.

What's going on? Ivy is so sick of her parents fighting all the time that she doesn't care if they do get divorced. But will it mean that she can't be best friends with Susanna anymore? Ivy doesn't feel comfortable talking to Susanna about the way things are. What will Susanna think about Ivy's parents divorcing?

If parents can divorce, can't sisters? Lacey wants to, but their parents want the girls to settle their differences once and for all. Ivy asks them if they are going to shut her and Lacey up in a room until they come out all hugs and kisses. Never give your parents a bad idea...

What happens? Will their parents really do such an awful thing? There's a difference between garbage fights and compost fights. Which kind will Ivy and Lacey have?

   --- Reviewed by Tamara Penny