Tracy Holczer Boeken

A young girl struggles to embrace change in this moving family story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. For fans of Jenni Holm and Wendy Mass.Lucy is a practical, orderly person--just like her dad. But when he's sent to Vietnam to serve as an Army doctor, Lucy and her mother are forced to move to San Jose, California, to be near their gregarious, quirky Rossi relatives. Then her father is injured, and Lucy's mother has her move in with the Rossis to give her father some space to adjust and heal. Lucy feels pushed aside and left out of everything. Until a curious boy named Milo--whose own father is still in Vietnam-- along with a mysterious packet of photographs and an eye-opening mission make Lucy see there's more to life than schedules and plans, and helps to heal her broken family. The latest from critically-acclaimed author Tracy Holczer is a pitch-perfect middle grade tale of family and friendship that's sure to delight fans of One for the Murphys and Rules.

A girl, descended from the famous Grimm brothers, embarks on a journey to break what she believes is a family curse. This heartrending tale explores themes of legacy, identity, and the struggle against familial expectations, showcasing the unique blend of fantasy and emotion that Tracy Holczer is known for. As she navigates her family's dark history, the protagonist discovers her own strength and the power of choice in shaping her destiny.

The story follows twelve-year-old Grace, who longs for stability and a permanent home after a life of constant travel with her mother. As they prepare to move again, Grace musters the courage to express her feelings, leading to a poignant moment that becomes complicated by regret. The narrative explores themes of family, longing, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, highlighting the emotional impact of their nomadic lifestyle.