“Engle writes her new book in clear, short lines of stirringfree verse. Caught by the compelling narrative voices, many readerswill want to find out more.”—Booklist, Starred Review “A powerful narrative in free verse . . . haunting.”—The HornBook “Hauntingly beautiful, revealing pieces of Cuba’s troubled pastthrough the poetry of hidden moments.”—School Library Journal “Young readers will come away inspired by these portraits ofcourageous ordinary people.” —Kirkus Reviews “The poems are short but incredibly evocative.”—Voice of YouthAdvocates
Jeff Greene was only seven when Melody, his mother, left him with his reserved, undemonstrative father, the Professor. So when she reenters his life years later with an invitation to spend the summer with her in Charleston, Jeff is captivated by her free spirit and warmth, and he eagerly looks forward to returning for another visit the following year. But Jeff's second summer in Charleston ends with a devastating betrayal, and he returns to his father wounded almost beyond bearing. But out of Jeff's pain grows a deepening awareness of the unexpected and complicated ways of love and loss and of family and friendship -- and the strength to understand his father, his mother, and especially himself. Jeff's mother, who deserted the family years before, reenters his life and widens the gap between Jeff and his father, a gap that only truth, love, and friendship can heal.
A shy, lonely six-year-old wanders into the Canadian prairieand spends a summer under the protection of a badger.
