About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a major life upheaval or needs to understand that a family's strength is not defined by the four walls of their home. This poignant mystery follows Early Pearl and her family as they navigate the sudden disappearance of her father and the subsequent loss of their apartment in Chicago. As they move into a city shelter, Early uses her love of words and a mysterious library book to hunt for the truth. While the subject matter is serious, Blue Balliett manages to weave a story of profound hope and intellectual curiosity. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who are beginning to notice social inequities or who are experiencing their own family transitions. Through Early's resilience, children learn that while a house can be lost, the love and history that bind a family together remain unbreakable.
