Max and Ella, Stuck Together
Max and Ella, Stuck Together is a warm, perceptive and uplifting middle-grade novel about identity, family and finding your voice. Told in alternating chapters from Max and Ella’s perspectives, the story explores what happens when two families are brought together through a shared connection: Max’s mums chose Ella’s dad, Hari, as a known donor, and the children are about to meet for the first time.
Rahim handles this contemporary family set-up with clarity and sensitivity. Max, who has two mums, is navigating the lingering effects of bullying and a loss of confidence, particularly around performing with his band. Ella, meanwhile, is coping with her mother’s demanding job, the uncertainty of starting secondary school without her best friend, and the sudden arrival of Max into her life. Both voices feel authentic and distinct, capturing the emotional intensity of early adolescence without ever losing a sense of humour. Music, hiking and family rituals such as ‘Battle of the Biscuits’ add texture and warmth to the narrative, grounding big questions about belonging in relatable, everyday detail. The novel thoughtfully examines what makes a family, reassuring readers that love, honesty and communication matter more than labels.
Ultimately, this is a hopeful, character-driven story about courage: the courage to meet new people, to face fears and to rediscover the parts of yourself that may have been shaken but are never truly lost. It comes highly recommended for readers aged 10–12 who enjoy contemporary stories about friendship, family and growing up.
