By Sarah Hagger-Holt (author)
"A compassionate, accessible, supportive story that sees a shy heroine find new strength through the experience of her dad’s gender transition."
Paperback Temporarily Out Of Stock £7.99 £7.19
View All Editions (1)
January 2020 Debut of the Month
There’s love, friendship and challenging prejudice aplenty in this debut novel by a LGBTQ+ parenting expert.
Introverted Izzy has just started Year 8 and is wildly excited when her favourite teacher announces auditions for a Christmas production of Guys and Dolls. Though shy, she’s come to love acting because on stage she “could be whoever I wanted.” And Izzy’s not the only member of her family who wants - and needs - to be who they really are, as she discovers when her dad tells the family he’s transgender and is about to begin transitioning. Though he gently explains, “It’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s nothing dirty, I’m not ill”, Izzy’s older sister reacts angrily, her little brother accepts it in the same way he understands Spider Man and Peter Parker’s different identities, while Izzy feels quiet worry about how their lives will change.
The family’s journey is honestly and sensitively portrayed as they endure hurtful prejudice alongside many heart-melting moments, such as the gorgeous scene in which the three siblings think-up their new name for Dad. This is at once an important support tool for children in similar situations, and a barrier-breaking, empathy-inducing story for all.
This is Littlehaven. Nothing ever happens here. Until the spotlight hits my family.
Read the full description
Izzy's family is under the spotlight when her dad comes out as Danielle, a trans woman. Izzy is terrified her family will be torn apart. Will she lose her dad? Will her parents break up? And what will people at school say? Izzy's always been shy, but now all eyes are on her. Can she face her fears, find her voice and stand up for what's right?
A touchingly honest story about family life, tackling an important LGBTQ+ narrative told in a gentle and accessible voice that inspires discussion, understanding, and acceptance.
Sarah Hagger-Holt is an award-winningm critically acclaimed author. Her debut novel for children, Nothing Ever Happens Here , was nominated for the Carnegie Medal, and her second, Proud of Me , was the winner of the Little Rebel's Award for Radical Children's Fiction. She is the author of two adult non-fiction LGBTQ+ books and has writtenf or the i Paper, the HUffington Post, and spoken on Radio 4's Women's Hour about LGBTQ+ parenting. Sarah lives with her partner and two daughters in Hertfordshire.
We've got some great stuff related to this book in our KidsZone. Head over there and check it out now.
Children's Books that Celebrate the Power of the LGBTQIA+ Community and Culture for Pride Month this June
Children's and YA Books for LGBT+ History Month 2026
Children's Books that Celebrate Family Diversity - Different Families, Shared Feelings
the best books for 9-12 year olds
Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Just Like Everyone Else
Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret
Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow
I really liked this book. It was easy to read and the characters were great. Everybody’s family is different. We just have to make sure we all look out for each other.
I liked the cover of this book, it’s really colourful. It was easy to read. The chapters were quite short and the way it was written it made you want to keep turning the pages.
Izzy is in year 8 and her and her best friend Grace have got lead parts in the school play, so they have lots to learn and do.
Then Izzy's dad calls a family meeting and drops a bit of a bombshell. He is transgender and is going to transition. I don’t really know much about this, but I learned lots.... Read Full Review
This book is very intriguing; once I started it, I couldn’t stop until I finished the whole thing.
This book is about 12-year-old Izzy, who lives in a very quiet town. Until her dad, Daniel gets his family together and tells them his surprising news: he’s actually a woman. A trans woman, that is.
Now, Izzy’s family is, until now, quite regular. They have homework struggles, teenage mood swings and friendship ups and downs, but until the spotlight hit the Palmers, life was pretty normal.
Daniel Palmer becomes Danielle Palmer and trouble arises at school. Izzy gets picked for one of the main roles in her school play, with her favourite teacher, and her best friend Grace gets the other star part. However, Sam, Grace’s crush, is playing the boyfriend of Izzy’s character. So far, so good.... Read Full Review
Izzy’s world is turned upside down when her Dad tells her that he is transgender. Can she still call her Dad ‘Dad’? What will her classmates think?
This book is about Izzy, her family, her friendships and her days at school. At first, you think this is a story about ordinary life but then Izzy’s world is turned upside down when her Dad tells her that he is transgender. Does this mean she no longer has a Dad? Can she still call her Dad ‘Dad’? What will her friends and classmates think?
I had heard about transgender before but I didn’t know much. The book asks questions you might be thinking and will help people understand more. I read this book with my mum so we could talk about it. Although the story is about Izzy’s Dad, it would also be good to read for anyone dealing with a big change or who is feeling different, as it shows how Izzy turns her fear into bravery.... Read Full Review
This is Littlehaven. Nothing ever happens here.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Nothing Ever Happens Here and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Nothing Ever Happens Here features in the following genres: Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Featured Books for 9+ readers, PSHE: Family Issues, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s, Teenage and Educational, PSHE: Sexuality, Gender and Relationships, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Stories about Family and Friends, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. Temporarily Out Of Stock.
Nothing Ever Happens Here was written by Sarah Hagger-Holt and published by Usborne Publishing Ltd
Nothing Ever Happens Here has 263 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. Temporarily Out Of Stock.
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.