Staff Pick
This magical #ownvoices novel for middle graders is about a girl who must protect her siblings when her mother goes missing. It fuses the story of Peter Pan with themes of immigration, poverty, and privilege. Timely, accessible, and incredibly moving! Recommended By Ariel K., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
New Visions Award Hono, Tu Books
Whitney Award Finalist, Storymakers Guild
Minerva must take care of her sisters after her mother's disappearance in this magical #ownvoices middle grade story that pairs perfectly with Peter Pan.
Minerva Soledad Miranda is determined to reach her goals, despite shouldering more responsibility than the other kids at school--like caring for her two sisters while her mom works two jobs. But one night, Minerva's mom doesn't come home, and Minerva has to figure out what to do. Was Mam snapped up by immigration enforcement? Will the girls be sent to foster homes or holding centers for migrant kids? Minerva and her sisters can't let anyone know Mam has disappeared. They'll just pretend everything is normal until she comes back.
Minerva's plan to go it alone falls apart the first afternoon, when her baby sister throws a tantrum during Minerva's audition for Peter Pan. But as the days pass and Minerva grows ever more worried about her mother, something magical seems to be watching out for them: leaving them cupcakes, helping Minerva find money, even steering them to friends and distant family who can help. Eventually, Minerva must make the hardest choice of her life. And when she does, she'll be prepared to face life's challenges--with friendship, hope, and a little bit of fairy magic.