Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

Book SynopsisBestselling author Jacky Davis and award-winning illustrator Fiona Woodcock celebrate family, love, and imagination in this vibrant and expressive picture book.Trade Review“A rainy day dashes a young child’s plans, but with dad’s help delight can be found in playing indoors. . . . Rhyming text perfectly captures a young child’s desire for independence and control over choices . . . Full of warmth and love. . . . A perfect addition to the rainy-day bookshelf, where joy can be found indoors, knowing the sun will shine again.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “It starts out as a promising morning for a child, with a father-made breakfast of sunny-side up eggs . . . But when Daddy raises the shades, there’s no sunshine outside . . . Through a combination of her own ingenuity and parental nudging, the . . . child comes up with activities to make time pass . . . and an internal sunniness returns.” — Publishers Weekly “Looking forward to playing outside . . . [a girl is] disappointed to find it’s raining and she’ll be stuck inside. . . . [She] uses her well-stocked imagination to create games to play by herself . . . The appealing soft-hued pastel illustrations incorporate a variety of patterns, and subtle details add even more interest . . . This beautiful rainy-day tale, told in a gentle rhyming text, may give youngsters ideas for their next housebound day.” — Booklist “A little girl wakes up joyfully, flinging out her arms in anticipation of the day. . . . The happy mood continues until she and Daddy pull up the shade ‘to let the sunshine in, and find / drips of gray sky covering everything.’ . . . After some comforting from Daddy, she finds imaginative ways to play . . . A slice-of-life story that truthfully reflects the disappointment of a long, rainy day interspersed with moments of happiness and warmth.” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisEdgar Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Mystery * A Kirkus Best BookRaw and moving, this contemporary realistic debut novel will leave readers of E. Lockhart and Gayle Forman breathless as it unflinchingly unfolds the tragic secrets being kept in a small, deceptively idyllic town. “Gorgeously written and helmed by a protagonist with an indelibly fierce heart. (starred review from Kirkus)“Keen plotting, evocative writing, and dynamic characterization make French a writer to watch.” (starred review from Booklist)Seventeen-year-old Darcy Prentiss has long held the title of “town slut.” She knows how to have a good time, sure, but she isn’t doing anything all the guys haven’t done. But when you’re a girl with a reputation, every little thing that happens seems to keep people whispering—especially when your ex-be

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Book SynopsisThe acclaimed author of Ms. Bixby’s Last Day and Posted returns with an unforgettable tale of love and laughter, of fathers and sons, of what family truly means, and of the ways in which we sometimes need to lose something in order to find ourselves. Celebrate dads and Father''s Day year-round with this warm and witty novel for tweens.Rion Kwirk comes from a rather odd family. His mother named him and his sisters after her favorite constellations, and his father makes funky-flavored jellybeans for a living. One sister acts as if she’s always on stage, and the other is a walking dictionary. But no one in the family is more odd than Rion’s grandfather, Papa Kwirk.He’s the kind of guy who shows up on his motorcycle only on holidays handing out crossbows and stuffed squirrels as presents. Rion has always been fascinated by Papa Kwirk, especially as his son—Rion’s father—is the complete opposi

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Book SynopsisThis voice-driven coming-of-age YA novel is perfect for fans of Katie Cotugno and Playlist for the Dead.Susannah Hayes has never been in the spotlight, but she dreams of following her father, a former rock star, onto the stage. As senior year begins, she’s more interested in composing impressive chord patterns than college essays, certain that if she writes the perfect song, her father might finally look up from the past long enough to see her. But when he dies unexpectedly, her dreams—and her reality—shatter.While Susannah struggles with grief, her mother uproots them to a new city. There, Susannah realizes she can reinvent herself however she wants: a confident singer-songwriter, member of a hip band, embraced by an effortlessly cool best friend. But Susannah is not the only one keeping secrets, and soon, harsh revelations threaten to unravel her life once again.Set against the scintillating landscape of Southern Cal

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Book SynopsisA beautiful, lyrical picture book about a father, his daughter, and her imaginary friend raking leaves on a crisp fall day.With gorgeous pictures by E.Trade Review“Readers will feel exhilarated, enclosed in Lula’s private secret…Spacious double-page spreads evoke the luxuriant pull of the imagination, where the charm of an imaginary friend can sweep you away, across borders.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “[A] tender, intimate family story, suitable for bedtime, when children both real and imaginary are tucked in and kissed good night.” — Booklist

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Book SynopsisA Kirkus Best Book of 2019! From the critically acclaimed author of Just Like Jackie comes a strikingly tender novel about one family’s heartbreak and the compassion that carries them through, perfect for fans of Sara Pennypacker, Lisa Graff, and Ann M. Martin. It’s been almost a year since Rain’s brother Guthrie died, and her parents still don’t know it was all Rain’s fault. In fact, no one does—Rain buried her secret deep, no matter how heavy it weighs on her heart.So when her mom suggests moving the family from Vermont to New York City, Rain agrees. But life in the big city is different. She’s never seen so many people in one place—or felt more like an outsider.With her parents fighting more than ever and the anniversary of Guthrie’s death approaching, Rain is determined to keep her big secret close to her heart. But even she kn

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Book Synopsis“Calling My Name is a treasure.”—Nic Stone, New York Times-bestselling author of Dear MartinCalling My Name is a striking, luminous, and literary exploration of family, spirituality, and self—ideal for readers of Jacqueline Woodson, Jandy Nelson, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Sandra Cisneros.This unforgettable novel tells a universal coming-of-age story about Taja Brown, a young African American girl growing up in Houston, Texas, and deftly and beautifully explores the universal struggles of growing up, battling family expectations, discovering a sense of self, and finding a unique voice and purpose.Told in fifty-three short, episodic, moving, and iridescent chapters, Calling My Name follows Taja on her journey from middle school to high school. Literary and noteworthy, this is a beauty of a novel that captures the multifaceted struggle of finding where you belong and why you matter.

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Book SynopsisIn the twelfth chapter book in the New York Times–bestselling series, Amelia Bedelia heads to the beach for a summertime adventure.With her cousin Jason and her best friend Alice by her side, she’s ready to try surfing, explore Blackberry Island, and learn more about this pirate-obsessed beach town.

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Book SynopsisIn the twelfth chapter book in the New York Times–bestselling series, Amelia Bedelia heads to the beach for a summertime adventure.With her cousin Jason and her best friend Alice by her side, she’s ready to try surfing, explore Blackberry Island, and learn more about this pirate-obsessed beach town.

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Book SynopsisA New York Times bestseller! Twin Peaks meets Riverdale in this twisty atmospheric mystery from the critically acclaimed author of A Lite Too Bright, Samuel Miller, about the search for a missing girl at an elite prep school.Everyone knows Emma.Trade Review"The moody atmosphere, the science/religion dichotomy, and the constant cliff-hangers will keep readers hooked till the shocking finale." — Booklist "Readers looking for a unique take on the isolated-house mystery, with a bizarre setting and a cast of unstable characters, will enjoy losing themselves in this strange yet compelling tale of drugs, power, and the future of the human race." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “A tense and atmospheric thriller with a truly surprising twist. I can’t wait to see what Samuel Miller does next!” — Kara Thomas, award-winning author of The Cheerleaders “Clever, drama-filled, and mind-blowing. My mind is still reeling from the twists and turns, and I loved every second of it.” — Sasha Alsberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Eerie, atmospheric, and smart as a whip, Redemption Prep kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page.” — Brittany Cavallaro, New York Times bestselling author of the Charlotte Holmes series Praise for A LITE TOO BRIGHT: “What a compelling journey this is—and what an accomplished debut too. Beautifully conceived and executed, it has an irresistible premise; an ingenious plot tinged with mystery; compelling, multidimensional characters; and a haunting ethos that will linger in readers’ minds long after they have finished.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “Jumping from clue to clue and train to train across the country, Arthur stumbles upon extraordinary discoveries, from long-lost family members to secret societies. This fresh incarnation of the great American road trip novel is bursting with big ideas, enigmas, poetry, and flashes of humor.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Charmingly written, this debut novel introduces rounded characters and an engaging mystery. Wonderfully mirroring the disjointed feelings and thoughts of young Arthur and those who have dementia, this literary piece has a satisfying conclusion. A highly recommended purchase for fans of literary and realistic fiction centered around family.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Miller’s debut novel weaves together several other larger-than-life literary figures and events, including gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, the beat generation, and the Kent State shootings, creating a love letter to social justice and American literature.” — Publishers Weekly “Debut author Miller peppers his well-paced chapters with the poetry of ALP the First. This earnest homage to writers, rebels, and the evergreen ideals of youth will appeal to devotees of John Green and Gayle Forman.” — The Horn Book

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Book SynopsisThat her mama is going to be hospitalized for months like she was last time.With her daddy struggling to save the farm and her mama in denial about what’s happening, it’s up to Della to heal her mama for good.Trade Review★ “Della’s voice will tug at readers’ heartstrings as she tries to hold her family together. Middle grade stories about mental illness, particularly those that focus on empathy and acceptance, are rare. This heartfelt story will stay with readers. A top choice.” — School Library Journal (starred review) ★ “Baldwin has written a heartbreaking, yet heartening, story that explores mental illness and its effects on an entire family. Readers will connect with the novel’s well-formed characters and be absorbed by the plot, which pulls no punches but doesn’t overwhelm.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) ★ “Cindy Baldwin’s graceful debut is an ode to family and community. Hints of sweet magical realism touch Where the Watermelons Grow, balancing this exquisite novel’s bittersweet authenticity.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) ★ “In her debut novel, Baldwin presents a realistic portrayal of life with a mentally ill parent.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “[Della’s] first-person narration is realistically earthy without crossing into gritty. This debut novel gushes with Southern charm. This story’s as sweet as Della’s daddy’s watermelons but never saccharine.” — Kirkus Reviews “This has a tenderness that will appeal to fans of DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Della’s story is a reminder that even under the toughest rinds of troubles we can find the cool, sustaining sweetness of friendship.” — Kirby Larson, author of the Newbery Honor Book Hattie Big Sky “Where the Watermelons Grow takes a close look at the unpredictable and debilitating nature of schizophrenia. Baldwin writes with a genuine voice.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “Where the Watermelons Grow is a spot-on, insightful novel about a preteen learning to live with and accept a parent’s mental illness.” — BookPage.com

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Book SynopsisMillions of grandmas have led to one very, very special and unique person—you! Everyone has two grandmas, and every grandma has her own two grandmas. Traveling from generation to generation, this dynamic picture book offers young readers a bird’s-eye view of how daily life has changed over time.

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Book SynopsisFrom award-winning Jamaican author Diana McCaulay, Gone to Drift is a powerful voice-driven middle grade novel about family set in Jamaica.Lloyd comes from a long line of fishermen. Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, Lloyd feels most at home with the sea and his grandfather, Maas Conrad, at his side. When his grandfather doesn’t return from a fishing trip, Lloyd fears he has gone to drift. The sea may be in Lloyd’s blood, but as he searches for his grandfather, he discovers a side of the ocean—and the people who use it—that he’s never known before. Told in the alternating voices of Lloyd and Maas Conrad, Gone to Drift is a moving story of family, courage, and the wonders of the oceans we call home.

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Book SynopsisA lyrical, poignant middle grade novel about embracing change, accepting help from others, and finding a place to call home. Perfect for fans of Raymie Nightingale.A Kirkus Best Book of 2019!Lizzie St. Claire wants to be invisible. Forced to move out of her home, she and her mom now live in a transitional housing shelter, Good Hope, until they can get back on their feet.Lizzie just wants to keep her head down at Good Hope and her new school, so she doesn’t have to admit the real reason she and her mom lost everything.But when Lizzie finds herself at the nearby Birchwood Stables, some new friends—along with the arrival of a frightened pony named Fire—help Lizzie to open up and accept help from those around her, even if it means she’ll have more to lose if things change again.

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Book SynopsisA tender and fantastical adventure story perfect for fans of Coraline.After Cecelia Dahl’s little brother, Celadon, dies tragically, his soul goes where all souls go: the Land of Yesterday—and Cecelia is left behind in a fractured world without him. Her beloved house’s spirit is crumbling beyond repair, her father is imprisoned by sorrow, and worst of all, her grief-stricken mother abandons the land of the living to follow Celadon into Yesterday.It’s up to Cecelia to put her family back together, even if that means venturing into the dark and forbidden Land of Yesterday on her own. But as Cecilia braves a hot-air balloon commanded by two gnomes, a sea of daisies, and the Planet of Nightmares, it’s clear that even if she finds her family, she might not be able to save them.And if she’s not careful, she might just become a lost soul herself, trapped forever in Yesterday.

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Book Synopsis“As puzzle pieces click into place, The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly reveals that it’s stories—and family—that make us whole. A deeply satisfying and beautiful book.” —Elana K. Arnold, National Book Award finalist and author of The Question of MiraclesCharlie O’Reilly is an only child. Which is why it makes everyone uncomfortable when he talks about his brother.Liam. His eight-year-old kid brother, who, up until a year ago, slept in the bunk above Charlie, took pride in being as annoying as possible, and was the only person who could make Charlie laugh until it hurt.Then came the morning when the bunk, and Liam, disappeared forever. No one even remembers him—not Charlie’s mother, who has been lost in her own troubles; and not Charlie’s father, who is gone frequently on business trips. The only person who believes C

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Book Synopsis“As puzzle pieces click into place, The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly reveals that it’s stories—and family—that make us whole. A deeply satisfying and beautiful book.” —Elana K. Arnold, National Book Award finalist and author of The Question of MiraclesCharlie O’Reilly is an only child. Which is why it makes everyone uncomfortable when he talks about his brother.Liam. His eight-year-old kid brother, who, up until a year ago, slept in the bunk above Charlie, took pride in being as annoying as possible, and was the only person who could make Charlie laugh until it hurt.Then came the morning when the bunk, and Liam, disappeared forever. No one even remembers him—not Charlie’s mother, who has been lost in her own troubles; and not Charlie’s father, who is gone frequently on business trips. The only person who believes C

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Book SynopsisA mystery about family, secrets, and how to move forward when the past keeps pulling you back, perfect for fans of David Arnold and Jeff Zentner.Patrick “Pack” Walsh may not know where he’s going in life, but he’s happy where he is.

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Book SynopsisNewbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan’s poignant text and award-winning artist Kenard Pak’s gentle and rustic illustrations paint the picture of a beautiful red barn and the people who call it home.One hundred years ago, a little boy watched his family and community come together to build a grand red barn.Trade Review“In meditative prose, Newbery-winner MacLachlan commemorates the life of a great barn. MacLachlan and Pak invite readers into the rhythms of the small family farm and important moments, small and great, over a century of its life.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “This quiet tale captures the rhythm of rural life throughout seasons—and then over generations. MacLachlan weaves in an abundance of details that will appeal to children with no firsthand experience with farming. A cozy filter through which to imagine growing up.” — Kirkus Reviews “MacLachlan pays tribute to a symbol of the American farm. Watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, and digital media in browns, tans, and cinnamon, enable the red of the cap and the barn to stand out. The solid building at the heart of the farm offers comfort and continuity in the life of a family.” — Booklist “MacLachlan’s gift for portraying bucolic bliss returns. Fox, possum, cat, dog, and mouse each meander into the story with winsome expressions, adding to the serene mood. VERDICT This story’s poetry and pace are mellow, ideal for a quiet time.” — School Library Journal Praise for CHICKEN TALK: “Krosoczka’s expressive illustrations bring humor and tenderness to each character, human and chicken. MacLachlan’s latest models an attentive, loving, and respectful relationship between humans and their animal companions that even those without articulate pets will appreciate. A sweet, silly...celebration of individuality and connection.” — Kirkus Reviews “Artwork by Krosoczka (Hey, Kiddo) uses softly sketched lines and gentle farmyard hues to provide a sense of the farm’s peace and the chickens’ cleverness. MacLachlan (My Father’s Words) offers droll dialogue, a bucolic setting, and a spirited defense of animals as distinct beings with unacknowledged powers of observation.” — Publishers Weekly Praise for MY FATHER’S WORDS: “Newbery-medalist MacLachlan is known for writing heart-tugging stories in spare style, as she did in Sarah, Plain and Tall (1985). And that’s what she does here as readers meet Fiona and Finn. Deeply moving and uplifting in unexpected ways.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “Key relationships in her own life inspired this characteristically taut and resonant novel by Newbery Medalist MacLachlan. MacLachlan masterfully mingles core themes in this slim volume: the power of words and song, memories and family, the mutually redemptive human-canine bond, and ‘the eternal fitness of things.’” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “With her customary precise, spare language, infused with emotional intelligence, MacLachlan takes readers from shocked grief to a way to live again, fundamental truths dropped carefully and delicately for young readers to comprehend in their own time. A flawless story about resilience, hope, healing, and the eternal fitness of things.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Praise for THE POET’S DOG: “Magical. A quiet, elegant, poignant story suffused with humor, heart, and goodness.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A spare, moving tale. Using simple words that even youngest readers will understand and enjoy, MacLachlan tackles subjects such as death and mourning with understated grace.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Readers will find their own jewel in this gem of a book.” — Booklist (starred review) Praise for THE TRUTH OF ME: “Brief but emotionally intense...MacLachlan demonstrates her mastery of elegantly unfolding a tale and gently plucking at readers’ heartstrings without taking a maudlin tone.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for KINDRED SOULS: “MacLachlan handles a familiar theme with grace, providing a lens into an uncanny intergenerational bond, as well as the kindness and generosity of love.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Would life be better if we could forget the past? That’s the question Corey Ann Haydu poses in her engrossing Eventown. With its embedded questions about the consequences of erasing all your problems, Eventown will doubtless hit many a middle grade reader’s sweet spot.” — New York Times Book Review “A wonderful and inventive story about being a kid in an imperfect world—beautiful, mysterious, and deeply satisfying.” — Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me and Goodbye Stranger ★ “At once enchanting, heart-rending, and bittersweet.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ★ “An emotionally complex and wonderfully told story.” — School Library Journal (starred review) ★ “[A] thought-provoking novel... [A] memorable and brave heroine.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Readers will feel for the brave, unconventional Elodee, who both affirms her individuality but also feels the loneliness of it... A hope-tinged tale about the long aftermath of tragedy.” — ALA Booklist “Haydu brings a different dimension with real poignancy... less The Giver and more Pleasantville... [Eventown] will reel in readers looking for family dramas as well as those seeking a little ideological stretching, and it will leave them with plenty to discuss about the price of walling yourself off from pain.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “A marvelous defense of messiness, mistakes, and uncomfortable conversations ... this book is pure Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets Pleasantville.” — Betsy Bird of Fuse 8 “Corey Ann Haydu doesn’t shy away from tough topics in her books. Eventown is no exception.” — Time for Kids “[An] original, thought-provoking and engaging novel exploring how our stories shape us and can help us heal from even the most terrible loss... Haydu offers an inspired creation in the “perfect world” of Eventown.” — Buffalo News Praise for The Someday Suitcase: “A touch of magic, the promise of snow, and so much love I can barely keep it together to write this sentence. I know Clover and Danny will stick with me for a long, long time.” — Kate Milford, New York Times bestselling author of The Greenglass House “Beautiful, true, and magical. This book touched my heart.” — Lauren Myracle, author of the Wishing Day series ★ “Quietly superb prose...Haydu doesn’t romanticize illness, but she provides comfort through art, science, magic, love, and a purple suitcase. A sharp, clear-cut piece that knows life is beautiful and sickness isn’t.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ★ “Haydu’s second middle-grade novel is poignant and powerful. A heartbreaking story about the healing power of friendship amid human fragility.” — Booklist (starred review) ★ “In this moving, exquisitely written story, Corey Ann Haydu explores the thin line between science and magic within an intense bond of friendship.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) “Haydu does not shield readers from hard truths, creating complex characters who face difficult situations. This sensitive work will strike an emotional chord with middle-graders.” — School Library Journal Praise for Rules for Stealing Stars: ★ “A well-crafted blend of realism and fantasy.” — School Library Journal (starred review) ★ “[A] lyrical story of love and loss. The way the sisters fight and love in equal measure, as well as their basic need for one another, rings poignantly true in this touching and heartwarming story, which contains a ‘tiny bit of magic, right here in the real world.” — Booklist (starred review) “Haydu makes skilled use of her story’s fantastical overlay to create a haunting narrative about the ways family members can fail-but also support-each other.” — Publishers Weekly “Haydu is a masterful wordsmith.” — Kirkus Reviews “Tender, wise, and heartbreakingly lovely, this story is as brilliant as a stolen star, and every bit as magical. Prepare to be enchanted.” — Katherine Applegate, Newbery-award winning author of The One and Only Ivan “A gorgeous, profound, deeply felt book that lovingly explores intricate sibling relationships, the crushing weight of family secrets, and the delicate magic of hope. Rules for Stealing Stars is sublime.” — Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs and The Real Boy “Silly and her sisters are flesh-and-bone characters; they gripped me by my very heart and pulled me into their tense and mysterious family story. With beguiling moments of magical realism and engaging turns of phrase, Corey Ann Haydu has crafted a glowing middle grade debut.” — Leslie Connor, award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and Crunch

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“In this follow-up to SO DONE, Paula Chase explores the unraveling friendship of two middle school boys, Rollie and Simp. This unsparing but tender novel takes the reader down some dangerous streets even as it reveals a hopeful world beyond. Chase’s writing pops off the page. I loved DOUGH BOYS!” — -Barbara Dee, Author of Everything I Know About You “Chase displays her signature flair for conveying black youths’ language of intimacy. . .A thoughtful exploration of the soul-fulfilling heaviness of life in black urban communities.” — Kirkus Reviews “This companion novel to So Done features best friends Rollie Matthews and Simp Wright, whose middle-school basketball coach has begun grooming them to become drug lookout boys. . . . Fans . . . will love the various cameos of familiar characters, but there’s universal appeal . . . in this bittersweet look at friendship in the hood.” — Booklist “[Chase] imbues her writing with style and phraseology that paint a vivid picture of this distinct world and the young Black teens who feel the weight of it upon their shoulders. Relatively hopeful endings for both boys . . . wrap up a smart and stirring take on growing up and apart.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “The definitions of bravery and commitment are put to the test for the middle-school duo, as the boys determine where their true loyalties lie. The alternating third-person narratives pull no punches linguistically. . . . Fans of Jason Reynolds and Angie Thomas will enjoy this rough and relatable read, whose conclusion provides no easy answers.” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“A convincing, compelling time-travel series rife with Tudor drama.” -- Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“[A] tightly and effectively written thriller. This book is sure to infect readers’ curiosity for a sequel.” — Kirkus Reviews “An action-packed plot and clever narrative twists. Engaging and accessible science fiction for middle grade readers.” — School Library Journal “Dizzying twists and betrayals page after page; a gripping adventure.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisRebecca Podos, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of Like Water, returns with a lush, dark, and unforgettable story of the power of the past to shape our futures—and the courage it takes to change them.Ruby Chernyavsky has been told the stories since she was a child: The women in her family, once possessed of great magical abilities to remake lives and stave off death itself, were forced to flee their Russian home for America in order to escape the fearful men who sought to destroy them.Such has it always been, Ruby’s been told, for powerful women. Today, these stories seem no more real to Ruby than folktales, except for the smallest bit of power left in their blood: when each of them comes of age, she will have a vision of who she will be when she dies—a destiny as inescapable as it is inevitable.Ruby is no exception, and neither is her mother, although she ran from her fate years ago, aband

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Lambda Literary Award!The Thing About Jellyfish meets Raymie Nightingale in this tender middle grade novel from Lisa Jenn Bigelow, acclaimed author of Drum Roll, Please.Hazel knows a lot about the world. That’s because when she’s not hanging with her best friend, taking care of her dog, or helping care for the goats on her family''s farm, she loves reading through dusty encyclopedias.But even Hazel doesn’t have answers for the questions awaiting her as she enters eighth grade. What if no one at her new school gets her, and she doesn''t make any friends? What’s going to happen to one of her moms, who’s pregnant again after having two miscarriages? Why does everything have to change when life was already perfectly fine?As Hazel struggles to cope, she’ll come to realize that sometimes you have to look within yourself—instead of the pages

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