This was a story full of wonderful characters. Sarah Weeks writes so well for young people. ( )

This middle grade novel, set in northern Michigan, draws out some of the most complicated emotions and serious challenges of childhood. It takes divorce, memory, death and abuse as its subjects and handles them deftly, creating a narrative that is not at all comfortable yet is beautiful in its own way. Weeks is adept at inhabiting the perspective of a child with a secret. Here, that child is Jamie, who feels responsible for the bad things happening around him -- his parents splitting, his cat dying, his aunt's health issues and even more terrible secrets -- and is struggling to function in his shifting world.

Although this is a quick read, it is not an easy one, especially for anyone who has ever been in a similar situation. Jamie's challenges are familiar, relatable, wrenching and -- as a result -- important for the reader. I think, in fact, that this might be one of those important books... one that you can hand to kids or even adults who are struggling in order to reassure them that they are not alone. It will unsettle you -- it should unsettle you -- but it is very much worth the discomfort. Recommended for older children who can handle serious themes and beyond. ( )

So B. It was a five star read for me in 2012, and thus I'm compelled to read other books by Sarah Weeks.

This one did not disappoint and Weeks is an author I'll follow.

When Jamie and his mother move to northern Michigan to live with and assist his Aunt Sapphy, the transition is difficult.

Abandoned by his father who left for another woman, Jamie and his mother moved and now live in a tiny trailer; his mother works long hours, and his Aunt is different.

Suffering from an accident at a cherry factory, Aunt Sapphy now has amnesia. Like a needle stuck in a record, Aunt Sapphy repeats herself over and over and over and over.

While Aunt Sapphy cannot remember, Jamie has a terrible secret and he longs to be more like his Aunt. While she cannot remember; he cannot forget.

Persecuted on the bus and in school, Jamie simply tries to zone out. When Audrey Krouch, a gangly, curious girl who lives in the same trailer park, begins to notice and tries to interact with Jamie, he realizes just how much his secret impacts on his ability to relate to others.

Before he moved, Jaime had a lovely cat named Mister. A stray, Mister was taken in and cared for by Jaime. When Mister has an accident and dies, it coincides with the loss of his father. Losing two things he loved is terribly painful.

Losing the wonderful relationship he previously had with Aunt Sapphy before her accident, simply represents yet another tragedy and loss.

When Mr. Gray, the manager of the trailer park befriends Jamie, he thinks he can trust and share his loss and pain. Sadly, he is used and abused by Mr. Gray. Mr. Gray's betrayal leads to shame for Jamie and represents yet another loss of innocence.

Desperately trying to hide his secret from everyone, Audrey notices that Jamie takes the long way from the bus to his home, avoiding the area where Mr. Gray lives, and she continues to question Jamie.

As Jamie's secret unravels, the relationship with Audrey and with Aunt Sapphy helps both Jamie and Aunt Sapphy to "jump the scratch" and to sing a new song.

Highly recommended. ( )

I just stated this book. I am dying to find out Jamie's bad incident that he wants to erase from his memory. ( )

Jamie and his mom move to northern Michigan to live with, and care for, his aunt. Suffering from a head injury, Aunt Saphy can't remember anything day to day. Jamie has a dark secret (abuse) that he'd love to forget, but he can't. With the help of a new friend, Audrey, Jamie sets out to help his aunt, but ends up finding answers of his own. This book starts w/a great opening line in the intro and cont to reel in the reader in Ch 1. I would use this book to teach Pathways-Feelings, divorce, abandonment, complex families, extended family, similes, and great opening lines "bold beginnings". Grades 5+ for strong emotion and complex issues. ( )