Smoke

When Coltons mom tells him that theyre moving from Idaho Falls to northern California, Colt is sad, but he takes it like a man. At least hell have one friend to keep him company - Smoke, the twenty-pound black Maine coon cat that Colts dad gave him when he was little. With his dad gone most of the year riding bulls on the rodeo circuit, sometimes it feels like Smoke is their only connection. So when Smoke doesnt come home after Colt lets him out in the middle of the night, nothing else in Colts world seems to matter anymore. But on the dark and stormy evening when Colt sets off alone to find his missing cat, hes in for more danger than even the son of a fearless bull rider could have dreamed of.

A captivating look at cowboys, courage, and community, this is a tender tale about family and friends pulling together, and what it really means to be a man.

“Engaging.” —Booklist

“Jukes is a masterful writer who makes it look easy with her accessible and unassuming style.” —Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books

“Its a tender, audience-appropriate story that subtly handles themes of home, family and community.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Animal lovers in particular will relate to Jukess novel about a 12-year-olds move from rural Idaho to an old farmstead in California . . . . Coltons conflicts will be relevant to preteens who have struggled with unwelcome changes.” —Publishers Weekly

“The novel is well worth reading for the unusual setting(s) and point of view as well as for Jukess deft, uniquely direct characterizations, wherein everyone comes off as believable.” —The Horn Book

A Newbery Honor author ("Like Jake and Me") takes a captivating look at cowboys, courage, and community in a tender tale about family and friends pulling together, and what it really means to be a man.

MAVIS JUKES has written numerous acclaimed books for children, including Blackberries in the Dark and Like Jake and Me, a Newbery Honor Book. She lives in Sonoma County, California.