Synopses & Reviews
Harper is an aspiring poet, and life is giving her a lot to write about just now. Daddy up and walked out, leaving them with too many bills, too little money, and an eviction notice. Now Mama is scrambling to make ends meet, leaving Harper to stay home and take care of her brother. Their whole world has been turned upside down, which Harper could just about handle—if it wasnt for the poetry contest at school. More than anything, she wants to get up on that stage and read her poems out loud. But how can she worry about getting back to school when she doesnt even know where shes going to sleep tonight?
Review
"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
Review
"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
Review
"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
Review
"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
Synopsis
Harper Lee Morgan is an aspiring poet, which isn't surprising, seeing as how she's named after her mama's favorite writer, Harper Lee. And life is giving her a lot to write about just now. Daddy up and walked out, leaving them broke. Then Harper's family gets evicted.
With Mama scrambling to find work, Harper has to skip school to care for her little brother, Hemingway. Their lives have been turned upside down, which Harper could just about handle if it wasn't for the writing contest at school. If only she could get up on that stage and read her poems out loud . . .
Synopsis
A young girl learns that everyone deserves a second chance when her family suddenly ends up homeless.
Synopsis
Harper Lee Morgan is an aspiring poet, which isnt surprising, seeing as how shes named after her mamas favorite writer, Harper Lee. And life is giving her a lot to write about just now. Daddy up and walked out, leaving them broke. Then Harpers family gets evicted.
With Mama scrambling to find work, Harper has to skip school to care for her little brother, Hemingway. Their lives have been turned upside down, which Harper could just about handle—if it wasnt for the writing contest at school. If only she could get up on that stage and read her poems out loud . . .
About the Author
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 back yards. Ann is an elementary school teacher in Waterford, Connecticut. Her next book, A Finders-Keepers Place, will be available from Henry Holt in Fall 2010.www.annhaywoodleal.com
Kids Q&A
Read the Kids' Q&A with Ann Haywood Leal