From the spring day in 1962 when Willis Merrill and his pet raccoon arrive in Maywood, Indiana, they are nothing but trouble for Lydia Carson. Lydia nicknames Willis "Ratboy" and wonders why he can't be more like his handsome older brother, Elliot. Life gets more complicated when Lydia alienates ...
Georgie Collins knows exactly how to make it through life ina new town. Before her father left for Vietnam, he gave herstanding orders never to let anyone mess with her, and shewon't. As long as she doesn't allow the enemy to smell her fear,Georgie will survive seventh grade in Glendale, Indiana,...
JJ’s eyes were almost as big as the pancake he stabbed. “You’re sure you slept all right, Caleb?” Mama passed him the platter. “Yes, ma’am. It’s a nice room.” I sighed. He sure was working on winning Mama over and it almost made me sick enough to pass on breakfast. But the pancakes smelled good a...