Rabbit Rabbit by Dori Hillestad Butler: A Compelling Upper Middle Grade Novel About Estranged Cousins, Family Secrets, a

Introduction

Rabbit Rabbit by Dori Hillestad Butler is a heartfelt upper middle-grade novel that explores family secrets, friendship across divides, and the resilience of young hearts. Published by Holiday House, this hardcover edition brings to life the story of two twelve-year-old cousins, Alice and Bee, who are determined to rebuild a broken family. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic, the book offers Indian readers a poignant look at how love and curiosity can bridge even the deepest rifts.

Book Overview

Twelve-year-olds Alice and Bee are practically strangers when their grandparents’ anniversary party reunites their estranged families. Despite the initial awkwardness, the two girls form a fast and fierce friendship. But their joy is short-lived—Bee’s mother and grandfather are determined to keep the liberal Seattle branch of the family away from their conservative Minnesota relatives. The adults keep repeating, “It’s complicated,” but Bee and Alice refuse to accept that. As they grow closer across geographical distances, they embark on a mission to uncover the big family secret that tore everyone apart. Just when they start making progress, the COVID-19 pandemic strikes, forcing them to watch the world shut down and their loved ones grow even more divided. Through it all, the cousins must confront long-buried secrets to heal their family.

Key Highlights

• Dual Perspectives: The story alternates between Alice and Bee, giving readers a rich, layered understanding of both sides of the family conflict.
• Timely Setting: The narrative authentically captures the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it relatable for young readers who lived through that period.
• Family Dynamics: Explores themes of estrangement, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to ask difficult questions.
• Fast Friendship: Showcases how genuine connection can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.
• Emotional Depth: Handles sensitive topics like parental conflict, secrets, and loss with age-appropriate sensitivity.

Inside the Book

Readers will find a compelling narrative that moves between Seattle and Minnesota, capturing the cultural and emotional contrasts between the two families. The book is structured around the cousins’ secret communications—phone calls, texts, and letters—as they piece together clues about their family’s past. The tension builds as they uncover painful truths while navigating the isolating effects of the pandemic. The writing is accessible yet evocative, making it perfect for upper middle-grade readers who enjoy stories with real emotional stakes.

Key Topics

• Family secrets and reconciliation
• Friendship across differences
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families
• Generational conflicts and understanding
• Resilience and courage in young people
• Communication and honesty in relationships

Reader Benefits

This book offers young readers a safe space to explore complex emotions. It encourages them to ask questions, seek truth, and value relationships over pride. The dual-perspective format helps build empathy by showing that every story has two sides. For Indian children, the themes of extended family dynamics, cultural clashes, and the importance of togetherness will feel especially familiar and meaningful. The pandemic element also provides a way to process shared global experiences through a personal, character-driven lens.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the importance of communication in resolving family conflicts.
• Develop empathy for characters from different backgrounds and viewpoints.
• Recognize that secrets can hurt families, but honesty can heal them.
• Learn how friendship can thrive despite physical distance and adversity.
• Gain insight into how young people can be agents of change in their own lives.

Who Should Read

Rabbit Rabbit is ideal for readers aged 10 to 14 who enjoy realistic fiction with emotional depth. It will appeal to children who love stories about family mysteries, strong friendships, and navigating tough situations. Teachers and parents looking for books that address pandemic experiences, family estrangement, and the power of honesty will find this a valuable addition to any library. It is also a great pick for book clubs and classroom discussions, as it offers plenty of material for conversation about secrets, forgiveness, and growing up.

About the Author

Dori Hillestad Butler is an award-winning author of over forty books for children, including the popular Haunted Library series and King & Kayla series. She has a talent for writing engaging stories that resonate with young readers, blending humour, heart, and mystery. Butler’s work often explores family relationships, friendship, and the courage to face the unknown. She lives in Washington State, and her own experiences with family dynamics and the Pacific Northwest landscape inform the authentic settings in Rabbit Rabbit.

About the Publisher

Holiday House is a highly respected independent publisher of children’s books, known for producing quality literature that stands the test of time. With a focus on both fiction and nonfiction, Holiday House has been publishing award-winning titles for over eighty years. Their commitment to stories that inspire, educate, and entertain makes them a trusted name in children’s publishing. This hardcover edition of Rabbit Rabbit reflects their dedication to producing durable, beautifully crafted books that young readers will treasure.

Conclusion

Rabbit Rabbit is more than just a story about a family secret—it is a celebration of the bonds that can survive distance, disagreement, and even a global crisis. Dori Hillestad Butler has crafted a novel that speaks directly to the hearts of young readers, reminding them that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask the hard questions. For Indian families who value close-knit relationships and the power of storytelling, this book is a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf. Order your hardcover copy from Bookshops.in today and let Alice and Bee’s journey inspire the young reader in your life.