Synopses & Reviews
Bean (née Pearl) and Henry, misfits and best friends, have the strangest mothers in town. Henrys mom Sally never leaves the house. Beans mom Lexie, if she is home, is likely nursing a hangover or venting to her friend Claire about Beans beloved grandfather Gus, the third member of their sunny household.
Guss death unleashes a host of family secrets that brings them all together. And they threaten to change everything—including Beans relationship with Henry, her first friend, and who also might turn out to be her first love.
Review
“Knowles has perfectly told an intriguing story of dysfunctional characters who cannot, will not, or are unable to communicate because of fear...fear of learning the truth, fear of hurting others, fear of losing love." --VOYA “…the story […] funnels family oddities, secrets, and personal melodrama into eventual respect for family differences.”--School Library Journal
Synopsis
After fifteen-year-old Bean's beloved grandfather Gus dies, she discovers uncomfortable secrets about him, her mother, and the father she has never known.
About the Author
Jo Knowles is the author of the novels Jumping Off Swings and Lessons from a Dead Girl. She lives in Vermont with her husband and son.