Sardines

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.

Nothing's been the same since Lucas's older brother died. After the accident, Lucas's mom disappeared without any warning, and his dad is struggling to cope. Lucas is pretty much alone-except for the other kids he meets at his middle school's aftercare program.

There's 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 person's dream come true. But for that to happen, Lucas will have to find the strength to trust his new friends with his family's secrets.

"You will fall in love with these characters and root for them each step of the way."-Ann Braden, author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus

"At once tender and funny, honest and smart."-Megan Frazer Blakemore, award-winning author of The Water Castle