"Named after the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, fifth-grader Harper Lee Morgan defines herself as a poet: 'That name has soaked itself into my bones,' she writes. After her father runs off ('The whiskey got in and made angry puddles in his brain'), Harper, her mother and her younger brother, Hemingway (Hem), are evicted, and they move into a motel. With her mom physically exhausted from working day and night (and emotionally fragile as a result of Harper's stillborn baby sister, Flannery), Harper is forced to stay at the motel with Hem all day and risks missing her favorite part of the school year: the poetry contest. At the motel, she meets myriad characters, who give her plenty of material for her poems. First-time novelist Leal creates complex characters from various walks of life, though the delivery of the message 'that people aren't always what they seem from the outside' occasionally feels heavy-handed. The cards are stacked against Harper and her family, but it is inspiring to watch her find success with a pen, paper and a little hope. Ages 10 — up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Dispelling stereotypical judgments about the homeless, this tender story also brings heart-wrenching insight into their plight....From Harper to Winnie Rae Early, the characters are memorable as are the descriptive passages." Voice of Youth Advocates

"Memorable characterizations fill the book with realistic individuals whom readers will root for and celebrate with when their lives finally begin to improve." School Library Journal

"Occasionally oversentimental, but the likable characters, their misfortunes and especially their self-reliance will keep readers, particularly fans of the Boxcar Children and other such fare, enthralled. A poignant debut." Kirkus Reviews

"First-time novelist Leal takes a narrative with familiar elements...and elevates it with her characters, who though familiar are sharply and sympathetically drawn." Booklist

Ann Haywood Leal volunteers at her local soup kitchen, and this novel grew out of her concern for the very real issue of homelessness in our own backyards. Ann is an elementary-school teacher in Waterford, Connecticut.