Publishers Weekly
As she did in the Newbery Honor-winning Rules, Lord introduces a plucky, articulate girl from coastal Maine. When Tess's best friend's family moves away and there are no longer enough students to keep her island school open, her family is among those that offer to take in foster children to boost enrollment. Awaiting the arrival of Aaron, her teenage foster brother, Tess--an avid collector of good-luck talismans--is thrilled to find a piece of blue sea glass, since blue is especially lucky: "Touch blue and your wish will come true." Lord interlaces themes of loss, luck, superstition, family, and belonging, but at the heart of this tightly woven story is Tess's longing to help Aaron overcome his hurt and anger at having been taken from his alcoholic mother (years before) and shuffled among foster homes, and to make him feel like he's part of her close-knit family. His mother's unannounced appearance (at Tess's bold, clandestine invitation) at a talent show in which Aaron plays the trumpet adds tension and pathos to the finale of this stirring novel. Ages 9-12. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
*"A thoughtful first-person narration . . . [Tess's] sense of humor keeps things light." — The Horn Book, starred review "Lord interlaces themes of loss, luck, superstition, family, and belonging . . . in this stirring novel." — Publishers Weekly "Realistic characters, humor, and a charming setting make this a great choice for collections of all sizes." — Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
Gr 4–7—Eleven-year-old Tess is dismayed when she finds out her Bethsaida Island, Maine, school might close due to lack of students. When Reverend Beal comes up with a plan to revive the school population by having some townspeople take in foster children. Tess's family takes in Aaron, 13. The girl's steps and missteps as she tries to connect with him and make him feel welcome pull at the heartstrings. All Aaron wants is to go back to live with his alcoholic mother again. All Tess wants is for him to want to stay. Each chapter is headed with a folk saying which helps develop the story. Cynthia Lord's moving story (Scholastic, 2010) about the meaning of home is told by Erin Moon with heartwarming clarity and feeling. For fans of Megan McDonald's Sisters Club series.—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ
JANUARY 2011 - AudioFile
Erin Moon gives a lovely reading of this island tale about the emotional bonds of family and place. If the State of Maine closes the school on Bethsaida Island due to the decrease in students, 11-year-old Tess Brooks's family will have to leave the only home she’s ever known. To save the school, Reverend Beal hatches a plan to offer homes to foster children, and the islanders await their June arrival with excitement. Moon's portrayal of Tess is so genuine that it’s almost startling the first time she introduces another voice in the story. She also produces authentic Maine voices as she recounts what that summer brings to light. K.O. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
