On the 2014 CLA Book of the Year for Children Award shortlist

 

New middle-grade fiction from the award-winning author of The Glory Wind 

 

Adam's summer is off to a disappointing start. His so-called "best friend" has bailed on him, choosing to stay behind to care for a sick dog, instead of joining Adam and his family at the seaside campground as planned. Adam is furious with Billy for abandoning him, impatient with his mother for her artistic obsessions, and embarrassed by his dad's lame attempts at being funny. At least an ever-changing cast of new summer friends proves to be an entertaining distraction: Joey, the shoe-thief with the cute sister; the mischievous Linden twins; enigmatic Nevin; and Ethan, the adventurer. But it is Theo, the blind gentleman up on the hill, with his magical stories of driftwood, who helps Adam to see the true nature of friendship — and forgiveness. 

 

Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Valerie Sherrard's ambition to become a writer was kindled when she was in grade six and living with her family in Lahr, West Germany, where her father was stationed. Her homeroom teacher praised her efforts and instilled in her a lifelong belief in her ability to write. Valerie has written a number of books for young readers including Tumbleweed Skies and the award-winning The Glory Wind, winner of the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction.