Status Updates From Stay and Fight

I think one of the most confusing things about this book is the tonal inconsistency in having what are definitely meant to be unlikeable protagonists who are definitely neglectful of their kid and then at the same time it feeling like the narrative wants me to side with them and not with CPS who absolutely SHOULD be involved here

The problem is, fundamentally, that child protective services ABSOLUTELY needs to be involved here.

Like you can talk about how CPS unfairly targets marginalized families and you can talk about how marginalised families are held to higher standards but the problem is, in this book's specific situation th re is extremely clear abuse and neglect

The problem is all these characters are so fundamentally awful that I genuinely do not feel bad that their lives are about to be upended by CPS bc they should be.

This living situation isn't safe for adults let alone first graders

I do not like the way Lily is talking about this CPS worker like they don't literally have the kid in an extremely dangerous and neglectful living situation by choice

See the problem here is that

1. I do not believe that teachers and principals are like chomping at the bit to report unsafe home situations, mandated reporters don't like having to report bc it means a child is in danger
2. This is very genuinely an unsafe living situation and CPS SHOULD be involved actually and I do not say that lightly