In this affecting middle grade debut, perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Lynda Mullaly Hunt, a boy finds unexpected friendship in a motley group of kids following a devastating loss.
Nothingâs been the same since Lucasâs older brother died. After the accident, Lucasâs mom disappeared without any warning, and his dad is struggling to cope. Lucas is pretty much aloneâexcept for the other kids he meets at his middle schoolâs aftercare program.
Thereâs Cat, the star athlete; Robbie, the goofball; Anna, the popular girl; and Finn, the mysterious new kid. Between games of Sardines, a reverse hide-and-seek, the kids realize that each group member has a secret wish. If they work together, the group might be able to help make each personâs dream come true. But for that to happen, Lucas will have to find the strength to trust his new friends with his familyâs secrets.
* 2023 Maine Literary Award Winner *
""You will fall in love with these characters and root for them each step of the way."" âAnn Braden, author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus
âAt once tender and funny, honest and smart.â âMegan Frazer Blakemore, award-winning author of The Water Castle