Soccer Trophy Mystery
by Fred Bowen

Award-winning author and Washington Post KidsPost sports columnist Fred Bowen returns with a new soccer- and mystery-packed addition to his popular Sports Story Series!

Meet Aiden and Ava, avid soccer-playing twins who are working toward a championship season and trying to solve the mystery of their town’s missing soccer trophy.

During a trip to the county library to snag copies of the book assigned to their English class, the twins stop to admire all the county league soccer trophies representing winning teams over the years. There’s just one problem: the librarian informs Aiden and Ava that the original championship trophy disappeared forty years ago and was never recovered. The twins leave the library with their English books, but they can’t stop thinking about the missing soccer trophy.

So with their friend Daniel in tow, and between games and practices for their own soccer championships, these young athletes decide to solve the case of the missing trophy. Will these amateur detectives be able to unravel the mystery and find someone who had both motive and opportunity to commit the crime in time to lead their teams to victory?

Fred Bowen’s newest installment in his Sports Story Series tackles important topics like equal recognition for women in sports and includes “The Real Story” behind the disappearance of the original World Cup trophy at the end of the book. A thrilling read for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green.

Check out an excerpt of this action-packed new story, and explore the rest of the Sports Story Series for more middle grade sports reads!

Boo Stew
by Donna L. Washington
illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

Curly Locks is a good-hearted girl, but she’s an awful cook. All the townspeople of Toadsuck Swamp know to steer clear of her culinary concoctions, but when Scares start terrorizin’ the town at mealtime, Curly Locks gets an inklin’. Can she use her smarts and unique talents to help corral those Scares for good? A delightfully spooky fractured fairy tale and an imaginative twist on the classic “Goldilocks.”

The Boy Who Cried Ninja
by Alex Latimer

Tim witnesses some strange happenings around his house, but no one believes his explanations. In fact, no matter what Tim says, his parents just punish him with chores. To save himself, he hatches a clever plan to expose the truth. Will it work, or will Tim have to spend the rest of his life raking the yard? A quirky twist on the fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”

Prairie Chicken Little
by Jackie Mims Hopkins
illustrated by Henry Cole

Mary McBlicken is sure a stampede’s a comin’! She hurries to the ranch, gathering up her friends—a prairie dog, a jack rabbit, and a meadowlark—along the way. Before the fine feathered and furry folks get to their destination, they encounter a coyote who says he knows a shortcut. Should they trust him? Will they find Cowboy Stan and Red Dog Dan in time? And where is that rumbling coming from anyway? A prairie-style twist on “Chicken Little.”

The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas
by Tony Wilson
illustrated by Sue deGennaro

In this modern take on the Princess and the Pea, Prince Henrik decides that sometimes real princesses can be too sensitive! He wants to marry an outdoorsy kind of girl, so instead of a single pea tucked into a pile of bedding, Henrik tests prospective brides with an entire packet of frozen peas shoved under a flimsy camping mattress. Henrik despairs as princess after princess complains, until one day the just-right girl shows up unexpectedly in the form of his old friend, Pippa. Pippa is all too happy to join Henrik in pitching a tent or playing a hard game of hockey, after which she finds the perfect use for that packet of frozen peas!

Little Red
by Bethan Woollvin

On her way to Grandma’s house, Little Red meets a wolf. That might scare some little girls, but not this little girl. She knows just what the wolf is up to, and she’s not going to let him get away with it. In this fractured fairy tale update to “The Little Red Riding Hood” features a feminist twist along with sly humor, striking visuals, and a bit of ingenuity to turn a familiar tale on its head for modern readers. Perfect for mighty girls as well as for all young readers who love fairy tales.

Hansel & Gretel
by Bethan Woollvin

Deep in the forest lives a witch named Willow. She is a good witch who only uses good magic―until she meets Hansel and Gretel. Willow never used to worry about messy breadcrumb trails. Or entire portions of her gingerbread house being devoured. Or anyone fiddling with her spells and magic books and causing a ruckus. But Hansel and Gretel are two very naughty and very rude children, and they are trying Willow’s patience. This subversive retelling of “Hansel and Gretel” is sure to have young readers wondering who the real villain is.

Rapunzel
by Bethan Woollvin

Rapunzel lives all alone in a tall, dark tower. Under the threat of a witch’s fearsome curse, the poor girl seems doomed to a life in captivity. But is Rapunzel frightened? Oh no, not she! Rapunzel has a few tricks (and friends) up her sleeve and she’s not afraid to use them. With irreverent humor and striking illustrations, this delightful, laugh-out-loud retelling of the classic fairy tale “Rapunzel” puts a brave, female-empowerment twist on the classic story of a helpless damsel in distress.

Boo Stew
by Donna L. Washington
illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

There had always been scares in Toadsuck Swamp, but Curly Locks didn’t mind. The only thing she truly cared about was cooking. Unfortunately for Curly Locks, she’s an awful cook and all the townspeople know to steer clear of her cat hair cupcakes or toad eye toffees. Until one night when a fresh batch of her lizard skin lasagna goes missing from Curly Locks’s windowsill…

Pretty soon, Scares start appearing all over town, terrorizing the townspeople at mealtime shrieking “Gitchey Boo, Gitchey Bon! Gitchey Goo, Gitchey Gone!” With everyone else tremblin’ and squawkin’, Curly Locks gets to wonderin’ if she should try cooking for the Scares. Can Curly Locks use her smarts and unique culinary talents to help corral those Scares for good?

Internationally known, award-winning storyteller Donna L. Washington has cooked up a delightfully spooky fractured fairy tale with a diverse cast of characters and an imaginative twist on the classic “Goldilocks.” Donna’s clever, can-do protagonist and joyful language paired with Jeffrey Ebbeler’s imaginative illustrations will tempt readers into a ghostly, yet enchanting landscape that they won’t want to leave! A perfectly spooky read aloud for Halloween storytimes.

Start your adventure with Curly Locks in this excerpt, and test out some spooky recipes from Curly Locks’s Cookbook!

“Curly Locks is a plucky Black girl among a multiracial cast of characters whose country accents enhance the story’s setting. The inky, blotchy Scares are pretty scary, and Curly Locks’ food is stomach-turning, hilarious for lovers of gross humor. This fairy-tale–style story is a standout pleaser. . . .” —Kirkus Reviews

“A fun story about pursuing one’s passions even when other people might not understand. . . The characters’ exaggerated body proportions add the right amount of humor, while the inky and spooky Scares are the stuff of nightmares. . . [A] fun Halloween read sure to entertain in any season.” —School Library Journal

Find Boo Stew this September at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and be sure to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!

The Candy Mafia
by Lavie Tidhar
illustrated by Daniel Duncan

Nelle Faulkner is a preteen private detective solving cases in a city where candy is a crime and kid-led gangs are thriving. So when notorious candy gangster Eddie de Menthe asks for her help finding a missing teddy bear, Nelle Faulkner is on the case. But when the teddy turns up, Eddie himself goes missing, and Nelle and her friends quickly find themselves swept up in a shady underworld of sweets smugglers, back alley deals, and storefront firebombs. If Nelle has any hope of tracking down her missing client, she’ll first have to unmask the true faces behind the smuggling ring. Can she and her friends find a way to take the cake? Or will they come to a sticky end?

Mr. Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise
by Alex T. Smith

Dashing detective Mr. Penguin and his adventuring gang board a luxury cruise ship for some much-needed rest and a little entertainment. With Colin, his kung fu spider sidekick, preparing to perform with the Ladies Choir and fish finger sandwiches available twenty-four hours a day, Mr. Penguin isn’t even bothered by the fact that he can’t swim and is deeply afraid of water. But when a series of odd events infiltrates a façade of glamorous parties filled with a who’s who of film stars and politicians, Mr. Penguin can’t help but feel that something shifty is happening on board. And when he befriends a young stowaway with a mystery of her own, he soon finds that adventures are lying in wait.

Save the Crash-test Dummies
An Action-Packed Journey through the History of Car Safety Engineering
by Jennifer Swanson
illustrated by TeMika Grooms

Cars take us to work. To school. To soccer practice. To the grocery store and home again. Can you imagine a world without them? It’s not so easy! One of the reasons we can use cars so much in our everyday lives is because they are safe to drive. But that hasn’t always been the case. If it weren’t for the experiments conducted over decades that involved all kinds of crash test volunteers―dead, alive, animal, or automated―cars as we know them might not be around. And then how would you get to school?

Pretty Funny for a Girl
by Rebecca Elliott

Haylah Swinton is a stellar best friend, a loving daughter, and an incredibly patient sister to a four-year-old nutcase of a brother. But she has a big secret: one day, she’ll be a stand-up comedian star. So when impossibly cool and thirstalicious Leo reveals he’s also into comedy, Haylah jumps at the chance to ghost-write his sets. But is Leo as interested in returning the favor? Even though her friends warn her of Leo’s intentions, Haylah’s not ready to listen―and she might just be digging herself deeper toward heartbreak. If Haylah’s ever going to step into the spotlight, first she’ll need to find the self-confidence to strut like the boss she really is.

Sing Like No One’s Listening
by Vanessa Jones

Nettie Delaney is a young singer who has just lost her mother and, despite a dreadful audition, has been accepted into a prestigious performing arts school―the very same school her superstar mother attended. With her mother’s shadow hanging over her, Nettie has her work cut out for her―and everyone is watching. To make matters worse, she hasn’t been able to sing a single note since her mother died. Whenever she tries, she just clams up. If Nettie’s going to survive a demanding first year and keep her place in a highly coveted program, she’ll have to work through her grief, find her voice, and deliver a showstopper. Or face expulsion.

Nina Soni, Halloween Queen
by Kashmira Sheth
illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky

Middle grade favorite Nina Soni returns for a brand-new STEAM adventure that’s perfect for Halloween reading! The fourth installment in Kashmira Sheth’s award-winning series, join charming and distractible Nina Soni for more laugh-out-loud misadventures with her family and friends.

Every year Nina Soni is ready for Halloween well before October 31st arrives. But this year is different. Her family’s Diwali celebration pushed thoughts of costumes and trick-or-treating out of Nina’s brain, so now it’s Friday and Halloween is on Sunday and Nina isn’t prepared. That doesn’t stop this spooky holiday from bringing out her competitive spirit, though. Nina’s best friend Jay already has the perfect costume planned, so naturally, Nina has to come up with something even better.

But what could be better than the perfect costume? The scariest haunted house, of course! So with a bunch of old boxes as the perfect building material and the bright idea to charge admission, Nina’s ready to open her haunted house. What could possibly go wrong for this lovable Halloween Queen?

Just in time for Halloween read alouds with chapter book fans and STEAM enthusiasts, don’t miss this new addition to a must-read series featuring stories of family, friendship, and Nina Soni’s slightly scatterbrained efforts to manage her life with lists, definitions, and more.

Explore the Nina Soni series.

Can’t wait to dive in to Nina Soni’s newest adventure? Read an excerpt!

Praise for the third book in the series, Nina Soni, Master of the Garden

“As in previous books in this series, Nina’s sincere and circumspect narratorial voice—and her beautifully illustrated lists and asides—renders this story a delight to read. Sheth expertly weaves in details about Nina’s Indian heritage together with her pride in being a Wisconsinite…. Plants aren’t the only things that grow in this book about perseverance, friendship, and personal growth.” —Kirkus Reviews

Find Nina Soni, Halloween Queen this September at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and be sure to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!

When the 

“My library is a true community space for my families. Our kids love that they can meet their friends here, including the friends they’ve made within books. Familiar characters like Stanley, Izzy Gizmo, and Arlo the Lion are like spending time with old friends – we’ve had science experiments with Izzy, and we’ve read bedtime stories to our stuffed Arlo! Books like the Stanley series are so important, because it teaches through gentle repetition and familiarity. Toddlers know Stanley and his friends, and are comfortable seeing them do different jobs around their town, but also in Stanley’s routine: he wakes up, heads off to his new career, comes back home to eat dinner, have a bath, and go to bed. Sitting with your little ones to read books like these time and again encourage kids to learn words and put ideas together, and it provides a safe place – on your lap – for kids to explore different ideas, from working in a library (where kids can also ask librarians about what Stanley does, and what they do!) to working on a fire truck. Kathryn O. Galbraith and Adela Pons’ books about the seasons are also great books to introduce the different changes in weather and times of year to toddlers – they’re some of my most popular board books!”―Rosemary Kiladitis, Queens Library, Corona, New York

“During COVID my library was able to take enough precautions near the tail end to be open while also keeping our staff and patrons safe. One day a girl came in, fully masked, carrying a jam jar, full to the brim with pennies, tied with a little ribbon at the top. Zoe, the kid, had desperately been missing the library those months we’d been closed. So, entirely of her own accord, she began collecting pennies. Pennies from the ground. Pennies from other people. Pennies she could donate once the library was open, just to tell us how special we were. It can be easy for us to forget that for the kids, the library can be a second home. One that they’re willing to help out, no matter what. No matter how many pennies they have to collect on our behalf.”―Betsy Bird, Collection Development Manager, Evanston Public Library

“The Matheson Memorial Library in Elkhorn WI is the heart of our community, providing informational, educational, and recreational services, in a friendly and supportive setting, to all families, children, and caregivers of the Elkhorn community and beyond. We are a family gathering place focused on educating, enriching, and entertaining the families, children, teens, and caregivers of the public.

Some of our favorite stories for toddler storytime include the Stanley picture books and board books. Ms. Pattie, Elkhorn Area School District Parent Educator, says she loves to use them in storytime with toddlers because their bold illustrations, simple language, and gentle humor is enjoyed by all, parents and toddlers alike.

When families with toddlers visit our library, we encourage them to hang out in the play area and build socialization skills, to read together on the cushions to model reading behavior, and pick their own books (the board books are handily located in the play area) to build an interest in reading. Don’t forget to stop and chat with our friendly librarians for book recommendations, to find out about library and community programs, and discover new things the library is offering. One tip to make library visits easier is to plan ahead for distractions at stops. We have these built in at our library – the gerbil tank is by the children’s self-check, the wishing well is within sight of the circulation desk if you need some extra help checking out or placing a hold – but you can also bring in a small toy or set up a library ritual so children know what to expect on each part of their library trip.”―Jennifer Wharton, Youth Services Librarian, Matheson Memorial Library

“Stanley’s Library has just the right book for every reader and this delightful new book in the Stanley series is just right for read alouds with young children!  From the comfy padded cover, to the bright bold illustrations, to the good humor and generous double page spreads, Stanley’s Library works well to show readers the friendliness and versatility of public libraries.  Stanley is also a good spirited librarian.  He works hard, appreciates his job, and at the end of the day even enjoys what the library offers himself!  Be sure to introduce your young child to your public librarian and like Stanley, they will match their interests and inclinations with just the right books! “―Maria Simon, Head of Youth Services, Wood County District Public Library

“Stanley is a librarian favorite at my library. From the first Stanley book, we all knew it was the perfect storytime series. Since then we have eagerly anticipated every new Stanley release to see what our favorite hamster is up to now. Stanley’s Library might be my favorite adventure yet because it is a wonderful love letter to libraries, librarians and the power of connecting over books. William Bee portrays a day in the life of a librarian so beautifully and Stanley’s adventures showcase everything I love about my job: connecting with the community, matching books with readers, hosting programs and events, and helping everyone find the joy of reading.”―Sarah Bean Thompson, Youth Services Manager, the Library Center

A Shelter for Sadness
by Anne Booth
illustrated by David Litchfield

A young boy is building a shelter for his sadness. The shelter will have light from the sun or curtains to draw. The shelter is strong enough to weather any winter storm and surrounded by a beautiful garden in the spring filled with sweet-smelling blooms. The boy can visit his sadness whenever he needs to, and the two of them can sit, cry, lie down, curl up very small, run around, and everything in between. It doesn’t matter if the boy can’t visit his sadness for a while. He knows his sadness is safe inside the shelter, patiently waiting for the boy’s return.

In this poignant, timely consideration of sadness and mental health, author Anne Booth offers a beautiful depiction of how kids (and readers of all ages) must care for their emotions and give attention to their grief on a regular basis. Illustrator David Litchfield’s stunning art brings the beautiful concept to life with a manifestation of sadness that the young boy protagonist interacts with throughout the story. A child-friendly approach to mental health for young readers, explore the many faces of sadness and the importance taking care of each and every emotion with little ones learning to take care of their mental health.

Read an excerpt, and get a peek at David Litchfield’s beautiful illustrations below.

“[A] sparkling, hushed story about making spaces for less glamorous feelings, too. . . .”—Foreword Reviews

About Habitats: Polar Regions
by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

In this addition to the About Habitats series, author Cathryn Sill uses easy-to-understand language to teach children what the Polar Regions are—from the frozen deserts of Antarctica to the ice floes of the Arctic Ocean—along with what kinds of animals and plants live there, how they have adapted to life in the environment, and why they’re important. Illustrator John Sill offers full-color art depicting the various landscapes and species of animals and plants. A glossary and afterword provide further details. Great for early childhood and elementary units on geography and habitats, nature and environment.

Stanley y su camión de bomberos
by William Bee

It’s another busy day for Stanley’s Fire Station! Stanley y su camión de bomberos stars all of Stanley’s friends in a brightly colored celebration of everyone’s favorite rescue vehicle. Not only is there an adorable fire truck, there’s also a ladder, hose, and extinguisher. The story is playful and fun but filled with important examples of the way firefighters help their communities. A great book for early fire safety discussions, community helper lessons, and more!

Stanley y su tren
by William Bee

All aboard on Stanley’s train! Tickets ready, please. Stanley and Charlie oil and grease the gears and shovel coal in the firebox before the train heads off on an adventure. The passengers have a beach ball, a toy boat, and an inner tube. Where could Stanley’s train be headed? Perfect for younger fans of Thomas and Friends, Stanley’s y su tren highlights all the excitement children can have as train passengers—especially if they get to drive, have refreshments, and blow the whistle!

Don’t miss any of the titles in the Stanley series!

Bird Count
by Susan Edwards Richmond
illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

For the New England Christmas Bird Count, young Ava and her mother prepare to be the best “citizen scientists” they can be. With the help of their team leader Big Al, they record the tally of all the birds they see. Ava dutifully counts all the birds along the way, using her most important tools―her eyes and ears―and the birding identification techniques she’s learned. But will she locate her favorite raven again this year in time for their town’s annual Christmas Bird Count party? A charming picture book, just right for young citizen scientists, bird watchers, and nature aficionados.

Lemuel the Fool
by Myron Uhlberg
illustrated by Sonja Lamut

When Lemuel sets out on a journey across the sea, he makes sure to tie a red scarf on the bow and a rope to the stern; with the scarf waving before him and the rope trailing behind, he’ll always know he’s going the right direction. Disoriented after a storm, Lemuel lands near a strange new village―except that it’s strangely familiar, down to the woman who looks exactly like his own dear wife and even calls him by name. Later that night, a very confused Lemuel sets sail for home and away from the madness. With the red scarf before him and the rope trailing behind, he’s confident he’ll arrive at home again―and be safely back among the familiar.

Hansel & Gretel
by Bethan Woollvin

Willow never used to worry about messy breadcrumb trails. Or entire portions of her gingerbread house being devoured. Or anyone fiddling with her spells and magic books and causing a ruckus. But Hansel and Gretel are two very naughty and very rude children, and they are trying Willow’s patience. This subversive retelling of “Hansel and Gretel” from New York Times Best Illustrated Book-winner Bethan Woollvin features striking and humorous visuals and a deliciously wicked twist ending that is sure to surprise and delight.

Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words
The Duel that Shaped a Future President
by Donna Janell Bowman
illustrated by S.D. Schindler

Abraham Lincoln was known for his sense of humor.  But in 1842, early in his adult life, it nearly got him into trouble. After becoming frustrated with the actions of his political rival James Shield, Lincoln came up with a plan. It was silly. It was clever. And it was a great big mistake! Lincoln, his future wife, and a friend of hers wrote a series of fictional letters to the editor, complaining about Shields. But when Shields took offense, he challenged Lincoln to a duel.

Carter Reads the Newspaper
The Story of Carter G. Woodson, Founder of Black History Month
by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Don Tate

Carter G. Woodson was born to two formerly enslaved people ten years after the end of the Civil War. Though his father could not read, he believed in being an informed citizen, so Carter read the newspaper to him every day. As a teenager, Carter went to work in the coal mines, and there he met Oliver Jones, who did something important: he asked Carter not only to read to him and the other miners, but also research and find more information on the subjects that interested them. This first-ever picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson emphasizes the importance of pursuing curiosity and encouraging a hunger for knowledge of stories and histories that have not been told.

Seven and a Half Tons of Steel
A Post-9/11 Story of Hope and Transformation
by Janet Nolan
illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Following the events of September 11, 2001, a beam from the World Trade Center Towers was given to the United States Navy. The beam was driven from New York to a foundry in Louisiana, where the seven and a half tons of steel, which had once been a beam in the World Trade Center, became the USS New York’s bow. Powerful text paired with stunning illustrations in this inspiring story reveal how something remarkable can emerge from a devastating event.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells
The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist
by Philip Dray
illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

In 1863, when Ida B. Wells was not yet two years old, the Emancipation Proclamation freed her from the bond of slavery. Blessed with a strong will, an eager mind, and a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” young Ida held her family together, defied society’s conventions, and used her position as a journalist to speak against injustice. But Ida’s greatest challenge arose after one of her friends was lynched. How could one headstrong young woman help free America from the looming “shadow of lawlessness”?

Amara’s Farm
by JaNay Brown-Wood
illustrated by Samara Hardy

Amara has lots of plants on her farm, but today she’s searching for pumpkins for her autumn potluck! She searches all over the farm, finding apples, persimmons, potatoes, and more, but no pumpkins. Where, oh, where could those pumpkins be? Little readers can follow along as Amara identifies the unique characteristics of all the tasty fall fruits and vegetables growing on her farm, until she finds a perfectly round, orange pumpkin to share with her friends and grandparents at the potluck.

This first entry in the new Where in the Garden? series features simple, playful text from author JaNay Brown-Wood and vivid, cheerful watercolor illustrations from artist Samara Hardy that bring this vibrant story to life. Perfect for early childhood and elementary education units on agriculture, farming, and healthy eating, and great for lessons on comparing and contrasting. And don’t miss the yummy molasses pumpkin bread recipe in the back of the book for little chefs to try!

Read an excerpt, and get a peek at Samara Hardy’s adorable illustrations below!

“The premise of this story will delight preschoolers who like to show off what they know, answering questions and searching the pages for pumpkins. . . . The illustrations are full of delightful details, and the wonderfully busy endpapers are scrumptious. A fun fall pick for interactive storytelling.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The repetition in Brown-Wood’s engaging, informative text reinforces comprehension, while Hardy’s digital illustrations, featuring hand-painted ink and watercolor textures for added depth, provide a festive atmosphere with their vibrant autumnal hues.” —The Horn Book (text not final)

Find Amara’s Farm this August at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble, and be sure to check out the rest of our brand-new picture books and middle grade and YA titles coming to Peachtree this season!

The story of Now You Say Yes developed from a passing thought about a young girl driving across the country with her brother. It was not a particularly novel concept; long distance road trips are so common in American literature and film.

The taking of the trip isn’t novel, it’s why they’re doing it, and what they find along the way that makes it special. In the American mythos, a drive across the country is always a search for self, reflected in what the traveler finds.

So, after I had answered a few questions—who was she? why did she have to go? (because she HAD to go—just kind-of wanting to go was not enough), I also figured it would be good for me to take the trip that Mari and Conor took. Who knows what I’d find? Material for the book, perhaps. Or maybe, just the experience.

Sometimes, it’s a fine line between research and indulgence, and here there was no difference at all. Driving across the country has been on my bucket list my whole life and remained undone. Now it was required if I were going to be a serious writer.

The timing of the trip was fortuitous. I realized the week I was going was also the week of the total eclipse in 2017. Great plot point! In fact, it became the heart of the story—the promise of seeing the eclipse gets Conor in the car, and seeing it is where Mari has the epiphany about her place in the world.

I traveled cheap. I put some clothes in a backpack along with a sleeping bag and solo tent and flew to Los Angeles, where I rented a one-way car (surprisingly reasonable!). I spent the night at a friend’s house in Altadena, and after a visit to Huntington Hospital, where Mari’s mom ended up, I set out, tracing what I thought might be Mari and Conor’s route.

Nothing life-threatening happened to me, but surprising things did and they ended up in the book. I watched a woman wearing a yoga pants do a bow to the Grand Canyon perilously close to the edge, wondering what she was thinking. I jammed on the brakes in time to exit and see the meteor crater I read about when I was six. I drove through Okemah and had a long talk with a man who lived across the street from where Woody Guthrie’s house had been. “He never sang mean,” the man said.

And, of course, like our two heroes, I stood agog, looking up at the sky while the sun disappeared, the breezes picked up, and the birds started singing. Like Mari, I looked at all of those around me staring at the heavens, and saw in that moment how we were all part of one living thing. The eclipse was a lens through which I saw the universe and where we fit in it. I gave that perception to Mari. And like Mari and Conor, the eclipse was the catharsis.

After that, I just drove.

Also, like Mari, I listened to music. If there is ever a time in one’s life when music imprints on the soul, it’s at the age of fifteen. Whatever music you fall in love with then, you will listen to for the rest of your life—it becomes timeless. I knew Mari needed music as an accompaniment, so, before I went on the trip, I did some research as to what Mari’s mom, Stef, might have listened to in the Boston area growing up in the early nineties. I tried to place her in her culture—a working-class Irish kid.

The recording I kept coming back to, over and over again, was R.E.M.’s Automatic for the People. To me, it captures a lot of the angst and struggle teens go through, and I could imagine Stef listening to it over and over, and it seemed to me that Mari did, too. Trapped with her mom’s music, Mari connected with it and her mom in a very special way.

All along the trip, as in the writing afterwards, I kept asking myself, “What does it feel like for Mari?” While writers pay attention to visual details, and sounds and smells, I’ve come to believe it’s our power to feel what somebody might be feeling that’s at the heart of our power as artists. It’s a risky thing, but imagining what someone else’s life is like is at the center of this empathic endeavor.

The last two hours of the trip, I drove with my heart in my throat. I was experiencing the end of my own trip, but also the end of Mari’s. The truth is, I had known what the last sentence of the book was going to be before I had written or plotted anything. I knew where the story was headed.. I crossed the beautiful bridge over the Charles, and as I drove down the side streets of Lynn, headed toward where I thought her grandmother might live, my heart beat faster. I came to a house that seemed like the right one and pulled over to the curb. I stared at the door of the house, imagining Conor and Mari standing on the steps. I almost knocked on the door myself.

As I write all this now, it seems like a fait accompli. I was bound to write this book. Now that it’s done it seems it was inevitable. But, like Mari’s trip, the outcome was always in doubt. I didn’t know if I could write it. I didn’t know if it would be any good. I didn’t know if anybody would want to publish it. I didn’t know much of anything, and so, like Mari, I drove across the country with an unanswered question, hoping for the best. Yes or no?

The answer, I think, is yes. Now You Say Yes.