Between Mom and Jo
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Julie Anne Peters |
| Products | Young adult novel |
Between Mom and Jo is a young adult novel from the United States, authored by Julie Anne Peters and published in 2006.
Plot summary
The story centers on Nick, whose two mothers, one named Jo, conceived him through in vitro fertilisation. Nick feels a stronger bond with Jo, sharing common interests and spending more time together. As he grows older, he begins to reflect on his family structure, including the estrangement between Jo’s and Erin’s relatives, as well as his own identity being raised by a same-sex couple. Over time, Erin and Jo’s relationship deteriorates, culminating in their separation when Nick turns fourteen after Erin engages in an extramarital affair. Jo leaves the household, while Erin limits Nick’s visits with Jo, citing concerns about stability. Because Jo never legally adopted Nick, she has no formal custody or visitation privileges. This division leads Nick into a period of depression. He communicates to Erin that despite her biological connection, Jo has always been his true mother figure. Eventually, Erin consents to Nick living with Jo, which positively impacts his emotional health. By the conclusion of the novel, Erin and Jo maintain a respectful and civil relationship.
Real-world context
This novel explores themes such as adolescence, diverse family structures, and LGBTQ+ topics, offering young adult readers a thoughtful perspective on these issues.
Awards
- Lambda Literary Award in the Children's/Young Adult category, 2007