In her own singularly beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one funny, one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion. This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It's a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom. Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, proud of her country roots and the "Indian-ness in her blood," travels from Ohio to Idaho with her eccentric grandparents. Along the way, she tells them of the story of Phoebe Winterbottom, who received mysterious messages, who met a "potential lunatic," and whose mother disappeared.As Sal entertains her grandparents with Phoebe's outrageous story, her own story begins to unfold-the story of a thirteen-year-old girl whose only wish is to be reunited with her missing mother. Editorial Reviews The book is packed with humor and affection and is an odyssey of unexpected twists and surprising conclusions. - 1995 Newbery Award Selection Committee. This story sings. - Booklist In this funny and sad adventure story, readers fall in love with 13-year-old Salamanca, who is proud of her Indian blood and her country roots. Two stories weave together and teach the important life lesson that every story has two sides. - Brightly This story sings. - Booklist In this funny and sad adventure story, readers fall in love with 13-year-old Salamanca, who is proud of her Indian blood and her country roots. Two stories weave together and teach the important life lesson that every story has two sides. - Brightly.com