Diet Soda Club

High schooler Reed spends most of his time in and out of the hospital taking care of his 10-year-old sister Beatrice, who has spinal muscular atrophy. Ever since the siblings’ father’s recent death in an accident, their mother—who “used to do all the mom things like bake sales, PTA, and help with my homework”—has struggled to manage the household. When her new boyfriend invites her on a weekend getaway, she leaves Reed to care for Beatrice, who’s recovering from pneumonia. After days pass and she doesn’t return, Reed is forced to get creative to make money. He befriends yearbook president Helena to gain access to the club’s ID printer, which he uses to make fake IDs for students in exchange for cash. When Beatrice uncovers his plot, he promises he’ll stop making them. But as the hospital bills continue to pile up and there’s still no word from Mom, Reed is running out of options. Though the mother’s characterization trends toward cartoon villainy, this endearing drama by Hayden (The First Thing About You) shines in its heartfelt depiction of the siblings’ relationship and its sensitive portrayal of Beatrice’s medical experiences. Characters read as white. Ages 14–up. (Oct.)