by: Cynthia Lordpublisher: Scholastic
publish date: August 1, 2010
The state of Maine plans to shut down her island’s schoolhouse, which would force Tess’s family to move to the mainland--and Tess to leave the only home she has ever known. Fortunately, the islanders have a plan too: increase the numbers of students by having several families take in foster children. So now Tess and her family are taking a chance on Aaron, a thirteen-year-old trumpet player who has been bounced from home to home. And Tess needs a plan of her own--and all the luck she can muster. Will Tess’s wish come true or will her luck run out? Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord offers a warm-hearted, humorous, and thoughtful look at what it means to belong--and how lucky we feel when we do.
This was a wonderful book. I loved how vividly island life was portrayed. There's a blurb inside the book about how this story is based on the author's actual experience with her time teaching on an island where the families took in foster children in order to keep the school open.
Tess is a great character. She's amazingly courageous and fiercely loyal to her family. Aaron was interesting and I was very curious to see how his story was going to turn out. I think this story would appeal to young girls and boys equally.
