December Grades 5-6 Book Club: 24 Hours in Nowhere

For December's Book Club, we read the book 24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling. Julianna, Lucy, Natalie, Nicole, and Rileigh were present. This is what we discussed!

1. The home lives of the four main characters are all very different. Which one do you think is most like your home life? Why?

2. Why do you think Bo is a bully? What do you think you should do when you see someone being bullied?

 

3. What do you think Rossi means when she asks Gus if he’s going to let someone else’s actions define who he is? Has anyone ever made you feel bad about yourself? How do you handle those feelings?

 

4. What examples of teamwork can you find in the story? Do you think any of the four characters could have survived if they’d been alone?

 

5. Why are Gus, Rossi, Jessie, and Matthew so poor? Have they made choices that have caused their poverty?

 

6. Rossi collects scrap metal from the desert and sells it to the scrap yard so she can maintain her dirt bike. Do you have to pay for any of your own things? If so, how do you earn the money to pay for them?

 

7. Do you think people look down on others due to their poverty? How do you view others who have less than you?

 

8. The story is told in the first person, from Gus’s point of view. How do you think the story would change if it were told from Rossi’s, Jessie’s, or Matthew’s points of view? What if it were told from Bo’s point of view?

 

9. Can you find an example in the story of a time when Gus, Rossi, Jessie, and Matthew each sacrifice something to help someone?

 

10. Gus often uses humor when talking about his living situation. Why do you think he does this?

 

11. Why does Gus believe acing the SAT is his only way to get into college? What does this reveal about the extra challenges people face when they are born into poverty? What do you think it means to be born with privilege?

 

12. Think about the setting the author has chosen. How does it affect the way you read the story?

 

13. Why do you think the author chose to tell the story in an hour-by-hour format?

 

14. The Gus we meet at the beginning of the story is different from the Gus at the end. How is he the same, and how has he changed? How have the other characters changed?

 

15. How do the relationships between the four main characters change from the time they enter the mine to when they finally make it out of the cave? What do you think caused these changes?

Rank this book from 1-5.

-Two 3s

-One 3 1/2

-One 4 1/2

-One 5

Our next Book Club will be held on Wednesday, January 20 at 3:30 p.m. We will be meeting via Zoom. We will be reading The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

"After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting--things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door."

Please be sure to register for book club via email (jamlibkids@gmail.com) or call 423-7280. Miss Lisa will get a copy of the book to you. You also need to register so that Miss Lisa can send you the Zoom link and password the day of Book Club!

January 2021 Grades 5-6 Book Club Suggestions

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

Five years.

That's how long Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an old school bus, criss-crossing the nation.

It's also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters in a car crash.

Coyote hasn’t been home in all that time, but when she learns that the park in her old neighborhood is being demolished―the very same park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a treasured memory box―she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive 3,600 miles back to Washington state in four days...without him realizing it.

Along the way, they'll pick up a strange crew of misfit travelers. Lester has a lady love to meet. Salvador and his mom are looking to start over. Val needs a safe place to be herself. And then there's Gladys...

Over the course of thousands of miles, Coyote will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all...but that with friends by her side, she just might be able to turn her “once upon a time” into a “happily ever after.”

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public" -- in order to head off David's embarrassing behaviors.

But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting--things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door.

November Grades 5-6 Book Club: The War I Finally Won

 

For November's Book Club, we read the book The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Cooper, Dylan, Mark, Rileigh, and Sarah were present. This is what we discussed!

In chapter 1, Ada tells the reader “You can know things all you like, but that doesn’t mean you believe them.” (pp. 1) What do you think this phrase might mean?

 

“Eleven years into the war between the rest of the world and me.” (pp. 2) The rest of the world is at war with each other but Ada is at war with the rest of the world. Why is Ada at war with the world? Why does she have a negative relationship with the world?

 

“Lady Thorton could upset just about anyone. When I’d first met her, before I knew her name, I called her the iron-faced woman. She was sharp like an ax.” (pp. 5) How are Ada’s initial judgments of Lady Thorton proven wrong?

 

“I would have to think hard to find any good memories.” (pp. 26) In the early chapters of the novel, Ada is reflecting on the end of her relationship with her mother. Based on Ada’s emotions and reflections, what kind of relationship did Ada have with her mother?

 

“I sat in front of the fire and practiced breathing, in and out, to keep myself calm.” (pp. 75) Ada struggles throughout the story with her emotions. In what ways does she learn to manage her emotions?

 

“It made me feel calmer that the food was so bad.” (pp. 85) Christmas is a difficult time for Ada. Why does she find it difficult to enjoy nice things?

“I needed a doll a long time ago,” I said. “It’s too late for me to have one now.”’ (pp. 93) What purpose do dolls have in a child’s life? Why is it too late for Ada to have a doll? What might the doll symbolize?

 

“Oban had a grace and elegance Butter could never touch. It was like the difference between the Honorable Margaret Thorton and me.” (pp. 101) Is it important to consider the personalities of the horses and ponies in the book? How do the personalities of the horses reflect the personalities of the humans in the book?

 

“Education is a luxury in war-time. Jonathan left Oxford to fight. I do not see why this girl’s education should be ahead of his.” (pp. 127) Do you agree with Lady Thorton? Should Ruth still be entitled to an education when Jonathan and other men are away fighting in war?

 

“I’ll tell the boys at the airfield about you. You’ll give them courage, you will.” (pp. 235) Why does Ada’s story inspire Jonathan?

 

“I don’t think I’d better share the details. But I can say that we’re learning things about Hitler, and what he’s doing in Europe, to capture civilians and even to his own countrymen, that make this war seem extremely necessary. More than necessary. Right.” (pp. 375) Using the appendix to guide you, what job with the army did Lord Thorton do at Bletchley Park during the war?

 

“Ruth needs horses the way I needed horses.” (pp. 281) Why do Ruth and Ada need horses? What effect does horse-riding have on the girls?

 

“So your mother was a monster. It doesn’t mean mine is. It doesn’t mean Lady Thorton is.” Ruth prodded me with her foot. “People are complicated. You, yourself, are not the easiest person to love. But you are still my sister.” (pp. 316) How does Ada’s relationship with her birth mother impact the way she views other maternal figures in her life?

 

Why does Ada travel back to her old home at Elsa Street with Lady Thorton? Why is it significant that she visits her old home? What does this communicate to the reader about her physical and emotional journey?

In the novel, Ada has a fascination with learning new words and their definitions. She becomes quite upset when Jamie begins to call Susan ‘Mum’ despite at the end of the novel, Ada also calls Susan ‘Mum’. How do you think Ada’s personal definition of a ‘Mum’ changes over the course of the novel?

 

Can Mam ever be forgiven for her treatment of Ada and Jamie? Like Ada and Jamie, is she too a victim of her circumstances?

“You’re eleven years old,” Susan said. “You get to be the child now, Ada, for once in your life. I will be the adult.”’ (pp. 92) What are the roles and responsibilities of children and adults? Should there be different expectations for different age types? Or should expectations be leveled with a person’s maturity and experience? 

Rank this book from 1-5.

-Two 4.5

-5

Our next Book Club will be held on Wednesday, December 16 at 3:00 p.m. We will be meeting via Zoom. 24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling.

"Welcome to Nowhere, Arizona, the least livable town in the United States. For Gus, a bright 13-year-old with dreams of getting out and going to college, life there is made even worse by Bo Taylor, Nowhere's biggest, baddest bully. When Bo tries to force Gus to eat a dangerously spiny cactus, Rossi Scott, one of the best racers in Nowhere, comes to his rescue--but in return she has to give Bo her prized dirt bike. Determined to buy it back, Gus agrees to go searching for gold in Dead Frenchman Mine, joined by his old friends Jessie Navarro and Matthew Dufort, and Rossi herself. As they hunt for treasure, narrowly surviving everything from cave-ins to mountain lions, they bond over shared stories of how hard life in Nowhere is--and they realize this adventure just may be their way out."

Please be sure to pick up your copy of the book and register at the Circulation Desk so that Miss Lisa can send you the Zoom link and password the day of Book Club!

October Grades 5-6 Book Club: The War That Saved My Life

For October's Book Club, we read the book The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Christopher, Cooper, Mark, Rileigh, and Sarah were present. This is what we discussed, with suggestions from teentweenbooks.com and from a book club on this book 4 years ago!

1. Who is Ada? Why is Mam ashamed of her?  Why do you think Mam "wanted Ada to be a cripple?"

-Ada is the main character of the book

-Mom is ashamed of her because she's crippled

2. What does Ada do when she is at home alone? Why doesn’t she share her secret with anyone?

-She looks out the window

-She teaches herself to walk

3. How do Ada and Jamie get out of London in the beginning of the story?

-Jamie is supposed to go on the train and Ada refuses to left behind

-They took their mom's sugar, bread and butter, and shoes

4. Why are Ada and Jamie “the only ones not chosen”? Why do they end up at Susan’s?

-They are so dirty that no one wants them

-They also don't want to deal with Ada's foot

-Because no one would take them in and she hadn't taken any kids in

5. When talking about Susan, Ada said, “She doesn’t like us. She didn’t want us, remember?”  Does Susan like the kids? Why or why not?

-In the beginning, she doesn't want to have to take care of the kids

-She was still sad about Becky's death

-At the end of the book, Susan changed her mind about the kids

   

6. Susan treats Ada with understanding and compassion. How does Ada respond to this kindness? Why?

-Ada gets very upset sometimes

-Ada doesn't feel that she deserves good things because of the way that her mom treated her

 
7. What do you know of Susan? Tell the untold story of Susan’s life as you imagine it might be.

-Her dad would get mad at her because she wasn't religious and her dad was a preacher

8. Ada stated, “I knew Susan wasn’t real. Or, if she was a tiny bit real, sometimes, at the very best she was only temporary” (p. 202). Later, on page 216 Ada said, “Susan was temporary. My foot was permanent.” Is Susan temporary for Ada? Why or why not?

-Her foot would always stay crooked 

-Susan was temporary because Ada would have to go back to Mam

 

9. What does Jamie's teacher think about his being left-handed?

-The teacher thinks that it's the mark of the devil

 
10. Is Ada capable of learning? Why is she afraid of learning at the beginning of the story? 

-She thinks she isn't able to learn

-She hadn't learned before and thought maybe she couldn't

11.  On page 206 Ada said, “Somehow Christmas was making me feel jumpy inside. All this talk about being together and being happy and celebrating—it felt threatening. Like I shouldn’t be part of it. Like I wasn’t allowed. And Susan wanted me to be happy, which was scarier still.” Why is Ada feeling jumpy, threatened, and scared?

-She has never had Christmas before

-She has never been truly happy before

-She doesn't think that she deserves to be happy

-Doing nothing for Christmas was the norm

 12. When the police officer doesn’t believe Ada’s story about seeing a spy, what does she do and say to convince him?

-She sees him looking at her crippled foot and says "my foot is a long way from my brain."

13. Why did their Mam come to take them back to the city?

-She was having to pay for their "child care" and didn't want to.

-Mam didn't want Ada and Jamie to be living better than her

14.  How does the way Mam treat Ada differ from the way Susan treats Ada?

-Susan doesn't make Ada go in the cockroach cupboard

-Mam abuses Ada.
-Susan loves Ada.

15. Why do you think Kimberly Brubaker Bradley decided to title the book The War That Saved My Life?

-If there was no war, there wouldn't have been a bombing to send her and Jamie to Susan

16. In what ways did Susan save Ada’s and Jamie’s lives? How did Ada and Jamie save Susan’s life?

-When she came to get them back (and was out of her house), her house got bombed. If she had been home, she would have died.

-They brought joy and family into her life. Christmas was actually happy for her.

17. What are your favorite details of the story?

-I liked Jamie because he was funny

-I liked Butter because I like horses

 
18.  Do you like the ending? If you were the author, would you change the ending of the story?

-It was too confusing because of all of the bombing

-The story is left up in the air


Rank this book from 1-5.

-(1) 3

-(3) 4

-(1) 5

Our next Book Club will be held on Wednesday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m. We will be meeting via Zoom. We will be reading  The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. 

"When Ada’s clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she’s not what her mother said she was—damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as physically. She’s not a daughter anymore, either. Who is she now?
 
World War II rages on, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, move with their guardian, Susan, into a cottage with the iron-faced Lady Thorton and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded home is tense. Then Ruth moves in. Ruth, a Jewish girl, from Germany. A German? Could Ruth be a spy?

As the fallout from war intensifies, calamity creeps closer, and life during wartime grows even more complicated. Who will Ada decide to be? How can she keep fighting? And who will she struggle to save?"

Please be sure to pick up your copy of the book and register at the Circulation Desk so that Miss Lisa can send you the Zoom link and password the day of Book Club!

December 2020 Grades 5-6 Book Club Suggestions

24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling

Welcome to Nowhere, Arizona, the least livable town in the United States. For Gus, a bright 13-year-old with dreams of getting out and going to college, life there is made even worse by Bo Taylor, Nowhere’s biggest, baddest bully. When Bo tries to force Gus to eat a dangerously spiny cactus, Rossi Scott, one of the best racers in Nowhere, comes to his rescue—but in return she has to give Bo her prized dirt bike. Determined to buy it back, Gus agrees to go searching for gold in Dead Frenchman Mine, joined by his old friends Jessie Navarro and Matthew Dufort, and Rossi herself. As they hunt for treasure, narrowly surviving everything from cave-ins to mountain lions, they bond over shared stories of how hard life in Nowhere is—and they realize this adventure just may be their way out.

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public" -- in order to head off David's embarrassing behaviors.

But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle is excited to return home from her school in England to her family in Rhode Island in the summer of 1832.

But when the two families she was supposed to travel with mysteriously cancel their trips, Charlotte finds herself the lone passenger on a long sea voyage with a cruel captain and a mutinous crew. Worse yet, soon after stepping aboard the ship, she becomes enmeshed in a conflict between them! What begins as an eagerly anticipated ocean crossing turns into a harrowing journey, where Charlotte gains a villainous enemy... and is put on trial for murder!

February Grades 5-6 Book Club: Lifeboat 12

For February's Book Club, we read Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood. 

Also, be sure to check out the author's website with some very cool videos and photographs pertaining to the sinking of the SS City of Benares. https://susanhoodbooks.com/node/255

-If I could be a character from this book it would be:

-What do you think of Ken? Would you want to be friends with him?:



-What did you think of the relationship between Ken and his family? At the beginning of the book, did you think that his step-mother really disliked him and was glad to see him shipped off to Canada?

-How do you think you would have reacted if you were in Ken's position? 

-What do you think about the ending of the book? Was it a good conclusion to all of the adventures that the characters had?

-Would you read another book by this author? Why or why not?

-What feelings did this book evoke for you? Did you feel like you could relate to anything in the book?

-What did you think of the book’s length? If it’s too long, what would you cut? If too short, what would you add?

-If you got the chance to ask the author of this book one question, what would it be?

-How original and unique was this book?

-If you could hear this same story from another person’s point of view, who would you choose?

-What did you like least about this book?

For March's Book Club, we will be reading Wildfire by W. Rodman Philbrick. Book Club will meet on Wednesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m.

Flames race toward Sam Castine's summer camp as evacuation buses are loading, but Sam runs back to get his phone. Suddenly, a flash of heat blasts him as pine trees explode. Now a wall of fire separates Sam from his bus, and there's only one thing to do: Run for his life. Run or die.

Lungs burning, Sam's only goal is to keep moving. Drought has made the forest a tinderbox, and Sam struggles to remember survival tricks he learned from his late father. Then, when he least expects it, he encounters Delphy, an older girl who is also lost. Their unlikely friendship grows as they join forces to find civilization.

The pace never slows, and eventually flames surround Sam and Delphy on all sides. A powerful bond is forged that can only grow out of true hardship -- as two true friends beat all odds and outwit one of the deadliest fires ever.

Please be sure to pick up your copy of the book at the Circulation Desk and register for Book Club so that Miss Lisa knows how many snacks to purchase!

March 2020 Grades 5-6 Book Club Suggestions

Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Delsie loves tracking the weather--lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She's always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she's looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a "regular family." Delsie observes other changes in the air, too--the most painful being a friend who's outgrown her. Luckily, she has neighbors with strong shoulders to support her, and Ronan, a new friend who is caring and courageous but also troubled by the losses he's endured. As Ronan and Delsie traipse around Cape Cod on their adventures, they both learn what it means to be angry versus sad, broken versus whole, and abandoned versus loved. And that, together, they can weather any storm.

Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Danger is never far from Audra's family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian -- they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous.

In June 1893, when Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra's parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. But escape means abandoning her parents to a terrible fate.

As Audra embarks on a journey to deliver the mysterious package, she faces unimaginable risks, and soon she becomes caught up in a growing resistance movement. Can joining the underground network of book smugglers give Audra a chance to rescue her parents?

Wildfire by W. Rodman Philbrick

Flames race toward Sam Castine's summer camp as evacuation buses are loading, but Sam runs back to get his phone. Suddenly, a flash of heat blasts him as pine trees explode. Now a wall of fire separates Sam from his bus, and there's only one thing to do: Run for his life. Run or die.

Lungs burning, Sam's only goal is to keep moving. Drought has made the forest a tinderbox, and Sam struggles to remember survival tricks he learned from his late father. Then, when he least expects it, he encounters Delphy, an older girl who is also lost. Their unlikely friendship grows as they join forces to find civilization.

The pace never slows, and eventually flames surround Sam and Delphy on all sides. A powerful bond is forged that can only grow out of true hardship -- as two true friends beat all odds and outwit one of the deadliest fires ever.

January 2020 Grades 5-6 Book Club: The Nameless City

For January's Book Club, we read The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks. Ian and Sophie were present. This is what we talked about.


If I could be a character from this book it would be:

-I would want to be Kaidu because he's awesome
-I would want to be Rat because she is acrobatic and can jump from roof to roof.

What did you think of the relationship between Kaidu and Rat? Did you find it believable?

-Yes because anybody can be friends.
-Opposites often become friends in books.

Would you like to have known more about Rat's background?

-Yes


Would you like to know more about the Nameless? Do you think that they had justification for trying to assassinate the General of All Blades and his son?

-I would like to know more about them.
-They did not want to take the name of their occupiers.
-The assassination attempt was not justified but it also was not as extreme as what could have happened.


What feelings did this book evoke for you? Did you feel like you could relate to anything in the book? 

-Exhilaration.
-I'm like Rat in that people don't pay attention to me.
-Non-stop action and I didn't want to put it down.

What do you think about the ending of the book? Was it a good conclusion to all of the adventures that the characters had?

-Yes. But there is still a lot for them to do. 

Do you think that there will be (or should be) a sequel to this book?

-See above.

If you got the chance to ask the author of this book one question, what would it be?

-What is up with Rat's hair?
-Why does Rat have so many scars?
-Why didn't Rat steal the food for herself? Why did she rely on Kaidu? 

How original and unique was this book?

-I thought the plot was pretty original.
-The storyline was completely original to me.

What did you like least about this book?

-Rat is so picky. She wants Kaidu to bring her some food, she gets mad when Kaidu can't do the physical feats as she can.
-The dad could have been more of a dad to Kaidu.

Please rate this book from 1-5, with 5 being the best:

-4
-4

We will be meeting on Wednesday, February 19 at 3:00 p.m. in order to discuss 

Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood. With Nazis bombing London every night, it’s time for thirteen-year-old Ken to escape. He suspects his stepmother is glad to see him go, but his dad says he’s one of the lucky ones—one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada. Life aboard the luxury ship is grand—nine-course meals, new friends, and a life far from the bombs, rations, and his stepmum’s glare. And after five days at sea, the ship’s officers announce that they’re out of danger. They’re wrong. Late that night, an explosion hurls Ken from his bunk. They’ve been hit. Torpedoed! The Benares is sinking fast. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Will they get away? Will they survive? Please be sure to register for Book Club and to pick up your copy of February's book at the library Circulation Desk.

February 2020 Grades 5-6 Book Club Suggestions

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz

Survive. At any cost.

10 concentration camps.

10 different places where you are starved, tortured, and worked mercilessly.

It's something no one could imagine surviving.

But it is what Yanek Gruener has to face.

As a Jewish boy in 1930s Poland, Yanek is at the mercy of the Nazis who have taken over. Everything he has, and everyone he loves, have been snatched brutally from him. And then Yanek himself is taken prisoner -- his arm tattooed with the words PRISONER B-3087.

He is forced from one nightmarish concentration camp to another, as World War II rages all around him. He encounters evil he could have never imagined, but also sees surprising glimpses of hope amid the horror. He just barely escapes death, only to confront it again seconds later.

Can Yanek make it through the terror without losing his hope, his will -- and, most of all, his sense of who he really is inside?


Based on an astonishing true story.





Lifeboat by Susan Hood

With Nazis bombing London every night, it’s time for thirteen-year-old Ken to escape. He suspects his stepmother is glad to see him go, but his dad says he’s one of the lucky ones—one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada.

Life aboard the luxury ship is grand—nine-course meals, new friends, and a life far from the bombs, rations, and his stepmum’s glare. And after five days at sea, the ship’s officers announce that they’re out of danger.

They’re wrong.

Late that night, an explosion hurls Ken from his bunk. They’ve been hit. Torpedoed! The Benares is sinking fast. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Will they get away? Will they survive?





Once Was a Time by Leila Sales

In the war-ravaged England of 1940, Charlotte Bromley is sure of only one thing: Kitty McLaughlin is her best friend in the whole world. But when Charlotte's scientist father makes an astonishing discovery that the Germans will covet for themselves, Charlotte is faced with an impossible choice between danger and safety. Should she remain with her friend or journey to another time and place? Her split-second decision has huge consequences, and when she finds herself alone in the world, unsure of Kitty's fate, she knows that somehow, some way, she must find her way back to her friend.