Maggie still misses her Nana, who died - but before she died, she forgot Maggie. Maggie's parents and Gramps have explained that Nana had dementia, but Maggie is afraid of forgetting, so she saves physical reminders in boxes in her room, everything from a treasured necklace to old milk cartons from lunch. When she blows up at her mother for touching her stuff, Maggie's parents take her to see a therapist to help her with her anxiety. Gramps is a supportive influence as well, and Maggie's older and younger brothers (as well as their dog, Batman) round out a warm, loving family. Maggie's dad is also her trapshooting coach, and Maggie's friends on the almost-all-girl squad support her as well - but one of them asks her to keep a secret she doesn't feel comfortable with.

A positive portrayal of therapy, exposure to the unique sport of "trap" and what it means to be a foster family, and when things are really lost and found - there's a lot packed into this book, and it works.

See also: The Meaning of Maggie, Merci Suarez Changes Gears, The List of Things That Will Not Change

Quotes

The best thing you can do if you really want something is to send it into the world. Tell the universe. (41)

I wonder if they miss Izzie in that place where grown-up explanations and talk can't fix. (86)

"Truth is, life's filled with give and take. Details fade. Or even erase entirely. But love never leaves. It carves into your heart. It's a forever thing." (Gramps to Maggie, 133)

"Your brain will help you remember the things in life that are important to you." (Dr. Sparrow to Maggie, 206)

Mixed feelings are confusing. They tug at all different parts of me. At the same time. (223)

"Is believing in something really enough?
"Sometimes it has to be. Sometimes believing in something is all we have." (Maggie and Gramps, 261)

My mind helps my heart remember the things that are important. (299)

From "Experts Consulted" back matter: Calming Your Anxious Child: Words to Say and Things to Do, Kathleen Trainor ( )

With Give and Take, author Elly Swartz addresses compulsive hoarding. The protagonist, 12-year-old Maggie, suffered a traumatic experience when her beloved grandmother suddenly no longer remembered who Maggie was.

More recently, Maggie faces having to surrender a foster-baby whom her family is caring for, and her trapshooting squad is losing its status as an all "Girl Power" team. One of her friends was transferred to another team and a boy now holds her position. So much upheaval ... and Maggie is afraid that she will forget, like her Nana, so Maggie secretly hoards items that are reminders of her memories.

I thought that Swartz's treatment of Maggie was very compassionate and believable; she's a well-rounded character, and I cared about knowing what would happen to her. Give and Take offers a valuable perspective on childhood mental health.

(I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley)