2017-2018 Crown Book List

Adventures with Waffles			Author Maria Parr		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Candlewick Press	ISBN# 978-0763672812 (HB)	Copyright 5/12/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.80
Hardly a day passes without Trille and Lena inventing some kind of adventure that often ends in trouble. Whether it’s coaxing a cow onto a boat or sledding down the steepest and iciest hill with a chicken, there is always a thrill and sometimes an injury to be had. Trille loves to share everything with Lena, even Auntie Granny’s waffles. But when Lena has to move away and Auntie Granny leaves the world, it sometimes seems like nothing will ever be right again. The warmth of friendship and the support of family suffuse this lightly illustrated novel, proving that when times are tough, a little taste of sweetness can make all the difference.

Adventures with Waffles, by Maria Parr, ISBN 978-0763672812, RL4.80. Hardly a day passes without Trille and Lena inventing some kind of adventure that often ends in trouble. Whether it’s coaxing a cow onto a boat or sledding down the steepest and iciest hill with a chicken, there is always a thrill and sometimes an injury to be had. Trille loves to share everything with Lena, even Auntie Granny’s waffles. But when Lena has to move away and Auntie Granny leaves the world, it sometimes seems like nothing will ever be right again. The warmth of friendship and the support of family suffuse this lightly illustrated novel, proving that when times are tough, a little taste of sweetness can make all the difference.

Angel Tree			Author Daphne Benedis-Grab		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Scholastic Press	ISBN# 978-0545613781 (HB)	Copyright 9/30/2014	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.70
Every Christmas in the small town of Pine River, a tree appears in the town square—the Angel Tree. Some people tie wishes to the tree, while others make those wishes come true. Nobody’s ever known where the tree comes from, but the mystery has always been part of the tradition’s charm. This year, however, four kids who have been helped—Lucy, Joe, Max, and Cami—are determined to solve the mystery and find out the true identity of the town’s guardian angel, so that Pine River can finally thank the person who brought the Angel Tree to their town.

Angel Tree, by Daphne Benedis-Grab, ISBN 978-0545613781, RL5.70. Every Christmas in the small town of Pine River, a tree appears in the town square—the Angel Tree. Some people tie wishes to the tree, while others make those wishes come true. Nobody’s ever known where the tree comes from, but the mystery has always been part of the tradition’s charm. This year, however, four kids who have been helped—Lucy, Joe, Max, and Cami—are determined to solve the mystery and find out the true identity of the town’s guardian angel, so that Pine River can finally thank the person who brought the Angel Tree to their town.

Another Day as Emily			Author Eileen Spinelli		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff	Publisher Knopf Books for Young Readers	ISBN# 978-0449809884 (PB)	Copyright 5/13/2014	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 3.20
Eleven-year-old Suzy just can’t win. Her brother is a local hero for calling 911 after seeing their elderly neighbor collapse, and only her best friend was able to win a role in the play they both auditioned for. Feeling cast aside from all angles, Suzy sees a kindred spirit in Emily Dickinson, the subject of her summer project. Suzy decides to escape from her disappointments by emulating the poet’s life of solitude: no visitors or phone calls (only letters delivered through her window), no friends (except her goldfish, Ottilie), and no outings (except church, but only if she can wear her long white Emily dress). But being a recluse is harder than Suzy predicted. Will she find a way to fold Emily into her life while also remaining true to herself?

Another Day as Emily, by Eileen Spinelli, ISBN 978-0449809884, RL3.20. Eleven-year-old Suzy just can’t win. Her brother is a local hero for calling 911 after seeing their elderly neighbor collapse, and only her best friend was able to win a role in the play they both auditioned for. Feeling cast aside from all angles, Suzy sees a kindred spirit in Emily Dickinson, the subject of her summer project. Suzy decides to escape from her disappointments by emulating the poet’s life of solitude: no visitors or phone calls (only letters delivered through her window), no friends (except her goldfish, Ottilie), and no outings (except church, but only if she can wear her long white Emily dress). But being a recluse is harder than Suzy predicted. Will she find a way to fold Emily into her life while also remaining true to herself?

Dash			Author Kirby Larson		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Scholastic, Inc.	ISBN# 978-0545416368 (PB)	Copyright 5/10/2016	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 3.90
Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home—or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they’ve lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

Dash, by Kirby Larson, ISBN 978-0545416368, RL3.90. Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home—or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they’ve lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah			Author Laurie Ann Thompson		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by Sean Qualls	Publisher Schwartz & Wade	ISBN# 978-0449817452 (HB)	Copyright 1/5/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.40
Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, by Laurie Ann Thompson, ISBN 978-0449817452, RL4.40. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.

Enormous Smallness: The Story of E.E. Cummings			Author Matthew Burgess		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo	Publisher Enchanted Lion Books	ISBN# 978-1592701711 (HB)	Copyright 4/7/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.20
This introduction to the life and work of the twentieth-century American writer highlights key moments in his creative development, shares insights about his beliefs, and introduces some of his signature poems.

Enormous Smallness: The Story of E.E. Cummings, by Matthew Burgess, ISBN 978-1592701711, RL5.20. This introduction to the life and work of the twentieth-century American writer highlights key moments in his creative development, shares insights about his beliefs, and introduces some of his signature poems.

Fish in a Tree			Author Lynda Mullaly Hunt		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Nancy Paulsen Books	ISBN# 978-0399162596 (HB)	Copyright 2/4/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 3.70
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her and to everyone than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.

Fish in a Tree, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, ISBN 978-0399162596, RL3.70. Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her and to everyone than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.

Fleabrain Loves Franny			Author Joanne Rocklin		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Harry N. Abrams	ISBN# 978-1419716768 (PB)	Copyright 8/11/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.30
Franny Katzenback, while recovering from polio, reads and falls in love with the brand-new book Charlotte’s Web. Bored and lonely and yearning for a Charlotte of her own, Franny starts up a correspondence with an eloquent flea named Fleabrain who lives on her dog’s tail. While Franny struggles with physical therapy and feeling left out of her formerly active neighborhood life, Fleabrain is there to take her on adventures based on his extensive reading.

Fleabrain Loves Franny, by Joanne Rocklin, ISBN 978-1419716768, RL5.30. Franny Katzenback, while recovering from polio, reads and falls in love with the brand-new book Charlotte’s Web. Bored and lonely and yearning for a Charlotte of her own, Franny starts up a correspondence with an eloquent flea named Fleabrain who lives on her dog’s tail. While Franny struggles with physical therapy and feeling left out of her formerly active neighborhood life, Fleabrain is there to take her on adventures based on his extensive reading.

Fur, Fins, and Feathers: Abraham Dee Bartlett and the Invention of the Modern Zoo			Author Cassandre Maxwell		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Eerdmans Books for Young Readers	ISBN# 978-0802854322 (HB)	Copyright 8/10/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.10
Abraham Dee Bartlett knew from a young age that he wanted to spend his life working with animals. But in Victorian London, there weren’t many jobs that provided an opportunity to do that. Still, Abraham spent years gaining knowledge and pursuing his dream until he eventually became superintendent in the London Zoo. Driven by his compassion for the animals, Abraham dramatically improved the conditions of the zoo to ensure that the animals could be happy and healthy.

Fur, Fins, and Feathers: Abraham Dee Bartlett and the Invention of the Modern Zoo, by Cassandre Maxwell, ISBN 978-0802854322, RL5.10. Abraham Dee Bartlett knew from a young age that he wanted to spend his life working with animals. But in Victorian London, there weren’t many jobs that provided an opportunity to do that. Still, Abraham spent years gaining knowledge and pursuing his dream until he eventually became superintendent in the London Zoo. Driven by his compassion for the animals, Abraham dramatically improved the conditions of the zoo to ensure that the animals could be happy and healthy.

Nuts to You			Author Lynne Rae Perkins		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Greenwillow Books	ISBN# 978-0060092757 (PB)	Copyright 8/26/2014	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.20
Jed, TsTs, and Chai are the very best of friends. So when Jed is snatched up by a hawk and carried away to another realm, TsTs and Chai resolve to go after him. Mysteriously, the hawk has dropped him. They saw it. Jed could be alive. New communities are discovered, new friends are made, huge danger is encountered (both man-made and of the fox and bobcat variety) and the mysteries of squirrel culture are revealed.

Nuts to You, by Lynne Rae Perkins, ISBN 978-0060092757, RL4.20. Jed, TsTs, and Chai are the very best of friends. So when Jed is snatched up by a hawk and carried away to another realm, TsTs and Chai resolve to go after him. Mysteriously, the hawk has dropped him. They saw it. Jed could be alive. New communities are discovered, new friends are made, huge danger is encountered (both man-made and of the fox and bobcat variety) and the mysteries of squirrel culture are revealed.

Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton			Author Don Tate		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Peachtree Publishers	ISBN# 978-1561458257 (HB)	Copyright 9/1/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.50
In the nineteenth century, North Carolina slave George Moses Horton taught himself to read and earned money to purchase his time though not his freedom. Horton became the first African American to be published in the South, protesting slavery in the form of verse.

Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton, by Don Tate, ISBN 978-1561458257, RL4.50. In the nineteenth century, North Carolina slave George Moses Horton taught himself to read and earned money to purchase his time though not his freedom. Horton became the first African American to be published in the South, protesting slavery in the form of verse.

Tiger Boy			Author Mitali Perkins		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by Jamie Hogan	Publisher Charlesbridge	ISBN# 978-1580896603 (HB)	Copyright 4/14/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.10
Passing exams will earn young Neel a much-coveted scholarship for a private boarding school in Kolkata, and the boy’s family has their dreams pinned on him, feeling that a good education will ensure him a better quality of life. But Neel is too attached to the “golpata branches swaying in the monsoon rains…the evening smell of jasmine flowers…mingling with green chilies and fresh ilish fish simmering in mustard-seed oil” to ever consider leaving his home. He studies only halfheartedly for his tests, incurring the wrath of his serious headmaster. When a female tiger cub escapes from a neighboring animal reserve, Neel is determined to find her before she’s snagged by greedy poachers led by Mr. Gupta, a corrupt local businessman. Gupta employs several of the villagers, including Neel’s father, tempting them with additional income if they assist in the illegal effort.

Tiger Boy, by Mitali Perkins, ISBN 978-1580896603, RL5.10. Passing exams will earn young Neel a much-coveted scholarship for a private boarding school in Kolkata, and the boy’s family has their dreams pinned on him, feeling that a good education will ensure him a better quality of life. But Neel is too attached to the “golpata branches swaying in the monsoon rains…the evening smell of jasmine flowers…mingling with green chilies and fresh ilish fish simmering in mustard-seed oil” to ever consider leaving his home. He studies only halfheartedly for his tests, incurring the wrath of his serious headmaster. When a female tiger cub escapes from a neighboring animal reserve, Neel is determined to find her before she’s snagged by greedy poachers led by Mr. Gupta, a corrupt local businessman. Gupta employs several of the villagers, including Neel’s father, tempting them with additional income if they assist in the illegal effort.

Winter Sky			Author Patricia Reilly Giff		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Wendy Lamb Books	ISBN# 978-0375838927 (PB)	Copyright 1/6/2014	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 3.80
Siria loves everyone at Pop’s firehouse. And she loves the stars in the winter sky. Her mother, who died, named her after Sirius—the Dog Star, brightest in January. But starry nights can fill with flames, and Siria sneaks out to chase the fire trucks. If she’s there, everyone will be safe. Still, Siria’s not brave like Pop. Her best friend Douglas used to chase with her, and it wasn’t so scary. But she did something wrong; they’re not friends now. This winter, Siria must learn to be brave. Because she’s got to fix things with Douglas; and when Pop is injured, she needs courage, and her friends, more than ever.

Winter Sky, by Patricia Reilly Giff, ISBN 978-0375838927, RL3.80. Siria loves everyone at Pop’s firehouse. And she loves the stars in the winter sky. Her mother, who died, named her after Sirius—the Dog Star, brightest in January. But starry nights can fill with flames, and Siria sneaks out to chase the fire trucks. If she’s there, everyone will be safe. Still, Siria’s not brave like Pop. Her best friend Douglas used to chase with her, and it wasn’t so scary. But she did something wrong; they’re not friends now. This winter, Siria must learn to be brave. Because she’s got to fix things with Douglas; and when Pop is injured, she needs courage, and her friends, more than ever.

Desperate Adventure of Zeno & Alya			Author Jane Kelley		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Square FIsh	ISBN# 978-1250062826 (PB)	Copyright 7/14/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 3.80
An orphaned African grey parrot who can speak 127 words. A girl so sick, she has forgotten what it means to try. Fate––and a banana nut muffin––bring them together. Will their shared encounter help them journey through storms inside and out? Will they lose their way, or will they find what really matters?

The Desperate Adventure of Zeno & Alya, by Jane Kelley, ISBN 978-1250062826, RL3.80. An orphaned African grey parrot who can speak 127 words. A girl so sick, she has forgotten what it means to try. Fate––and a banana nut muffin––bring them together. Will their shared encounter help them journey through storms inside and out? Will they lose their way, or will they find what really matters?

First Case			Author Ulf Nilsson		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by Gitte Spee	Publisher Gecko Press	ISBN# 978-1927271490 (HB)	Copyright 2/28/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.00
Someone’s stealing nuts from the forest, and it’s up to Detective Gordon to catch the thief! Unfortunately, solving this crime means standing in the snow and waiting for a long time…. If only he had an assistant—someone small, fast, and clever―to help solve this terrible case. A brilliant detective story by one of Sweden’s top children’s writers and illustrated in full color throughout. A book to read alone or aloud!

The First Case, by Ulf Nilsson, ISBN 978-1927271490, RL4.00. Someone’s stealing nuts from the forest, and it’s up to Detective Gordon to catch the thief! Unfortunately, solving this crime means standing in the snow and waiting for a long time…. If only he had an assistant—someone small, fast, and clever―to help solve this terrible case. A brilliant detective story by one of Sweden’s top children’s writers and illustrated in full color throughout. A book to read alone or aloud!

Handful of Stars			Author Cynthia Lord		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Scholastic, Inc.	ISBN# 978-0545700276 (HB)	Copyright 5/26/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.40
When Lily’s blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it’s Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season. After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily’s grandfather, and Salma’s friendship transforms Lily’s summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they’ll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant-and possibly win?

A Handful of Stars, by Cynthia Lord, ISBN 978-0545700276, RL4.40. When Lily’s blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar and runs away across the wide-open blueberry barrens of eastern Maine, it’s Salma Santiago who manages to catch him. Salma, the daughter of migrant workers, is in the small town with her family for the blueberry-picking season. After their initial chance meeting, Salma and Lily bond over painting bee boxes for Lily’s grandfather, and Salma’s friendship transforms Lily’s summer. But when Salma decides to run in the upcoming Blueberry Queen pageant, they’ll have to face some tough truths about friendship and belonging. Should an outsider like Salma really participate in the pageant-and possibly win?

House That Jane Built: A Story about Jane Addams			Author Tanya Lee Stone		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by Kathryn Brown	Publisher Henry Holt and Co.	ISBN# 978-0805090499 (HB)	Copyright 6/23/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.50
This is the story of Jane Addams, the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, who transformed a poor neighborhood in Chicago by opening up her house as a community center.

The House that Jane Built: a Story of Jane Addams, by Tanya Lee Stone, ISBN 978-0805090499, RL4.50. This is the story of Jane Addams, the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, who transformed a poor neighborhood in Chicago by opening up her house as a community center.

Lion Who Stole My Arm			Author Nicola Davies		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by Annabel Wright	Publisher Candlewick Press	ISBN# 978-0763666200 (HB)	Copyright 2/24/2014	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.40
Zoologist Nicola Davies presents an illustrated novel for young readers that proves you don’t need two arms to be strong. Pedru has always wanted to be a great hunter like his father, but after a lion takes his arm, he worries that he’ll always be the crippled boy instead. Pedru longs to kill the lion that mauled him and strengthens himself to be ready for the hunt. But when the opportunity arises, will Pedru have the strength to turn his back on revenge? Zoologist Nicola Davies perfectly merges a heart-pounding adventure with an important message about conservation, and Annabel Wright’s gorgeous black-and-white illustrations bring Pedru’s story to life.

The Lion Who Stole My Arm, by Nicola Davies, ISBN 978-0763666200, RL5.40. Zoologist Nicola Davies presents an illustrated novel for young readers that proves you don’t need two arms to be strong. Pedru has always wanted to be a great hunter like his father, but after a lion takes his arm, he worries that he’ll always be the crippled boy instead. Pedru longs to kill the lion that mauled him and strengthens himself to be ready for the hunt. But when the opportunity arises, will Pedru have the strength to turn his back on revenge? Zoologist Nicola Davies perfectly merges a heart-pounding adventure with an important message about conservation, and Annabel Wright’s gorgeous black-and-white illustrations bring Pedru’s story to life.

Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle			Author Jude Isabella		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by Simone Shin	Publisher Kids Can Press	ISBN# 978-1771380232 (HB)	Copyright 2/28/2015	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.00
In this unique nonfiction picture book, the main character is a bicycle that starts its life like so many bicycles in North America, being owned and ridden by a young boy. The boy, Leo, treasures his bicycle so much he gives it a name—- Big Red. But eventually Leo outgrows Big Red, and this is where the bicycle’s story takes a turn from the everyday, because Leo decides to donate it to an organization that ships bicycles to Africa. Big Red is sent to Burkina Faso, in West Africa, where it finds a home with Alisetta, who uses it to gain quicker access to her family’s sorghum field and to the market. Then, over time, it finds its way to a young woman named Haridata, who has a new purpose for the bicycle—- renamed Le Grand Rouge—- delivering medications and bringing sick people to the hospital.

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle, by Jude Isabella, ISBN 978-1771380232, RL4.00. In this unique nonfiction picture book, the main character is a bicycle that starts its life like so many bicycles in North America, being owned and ridden by a young boy. The boy, Leo, treasures his bicycle so much he gives it a name—- Big Red. But eventually Leo outgrows Big Red, and this is where the bicycle’s story takes a turn from the everyday, because Leo decides to donate it to an organization that ships bicycles to Africa. Big Red is sent to Burkina Faso, in West Africa, where it finds a home with Alisetta, who uses it to gain quicker access to her family’s sorghum field and to the market. Then, over time, it finds its way to a young woman named Haridata, who has a new purpose for the bicycle—- renamed Le Grand Rouge—- delivering medications and bringing sick people to the hospital.

Way to Stay in Destiny			Author Augusta Scattergood		2017-2018 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Scholastic Press	ISBN# 978-0545538251 (PB)	Copyright 5/10/2016	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.10
When Theo gets off a bus in Destiny, Florida, he’s left behind the only life he’s ever known. Now he’s got to live with Uncle Raymond, a Vietnam War vet and a loner who wants nothing to do with this long-lost nephew. Thank goodness for Miss Sister Grandersole’s Rooming House and Dance School. The piano that sits in Miss Sister’s dance hall calls to Theo. He can’t wait to play those ivory keys. When Anabel arrives things get even more enticing. This feisty girl, a baseball fanatic, invites Theo on her quest to uncover the town’s connection to old-time ball players rumored to have lived there years before. A mystery, an adventure, and a musical exploration unfold as this town called Destiny lives up to its Name.

The Way to Stay in Destiny, by Augusta Scattergood, ISBN 978-0545538251, RL4.10. When Theo gets off a bus in Destiny, Florida, he’s left behind the only life he’s ever known. Now he’s got to live with Uncle Raymond, a Vietnam War vet and a loner who wants nothing to do with this long-lost nephew. Thank goodness for Miss Sister Grandersole’s Rooming House and Dance School. The piano that sits in Miss Sister’s dance hall calls to Theo. He can’t wait to play those ivory keys. When Anabel arrives things get even more enticing. This feisty girl, a baseball fanatic, invites Theo on her quest to uncover the town’s connection to old-time ball players rumored to have lived there years before. A mystery, an adventure, and a musical exploration unfold as this town called Destiny lives up to its Name.