ABOUT THIS BOOK

Sam is almost 11 when he discovers a locked box in the attic above his grandfather Mack’s room, and a piece of paper that says he was kidnapped. There are lots of other words, but Sam has always had trouble reading. He’s desperate to find out who he is, and if his beloved Mack is really his grandfather. At night he’s haunted by dreams of a big castle and a terrifying escape on a boat. Who can he trust to help him read the documents that could unravel the mystery? Then he and the new girl, Caroline, are paired up to work on a school project, building a castle in Mack’s woodworking shop. Caroline loves to read, and she can help. But she’s moving soon, and the two must hurry to discover the truth about Sam.


REVIEWS

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, November 19, 2007:
"This intimate story realistically examines friendship, family secrets and the struggles of a learning-disability child trying to make sense fo the world."

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 2007:
"An engrossing examination of a profound theme in the deft hands of a discerning author."

Interview, The New York Times: In the Region, February 3, 2008:
"Handling difficult subjects with sensitivity is Mrs. Giff’s specialty. If she has tried to drive home a single point in all her stories, it is that ordinary people are special — and that children, most of all, need to feel that way."


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia Reilly Giff is the author of many beloved books for children, including the Newbery Honor books, Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. She lives in Trumbull, Connecticut.


AWARDS

NOMINEE 2008 - Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Juvenile Novel



RELATED LINKS

Click here for the Eleven BookTalk
Click here for Patricia Reilly Giff’s printable Author Bio
Visit the Patricia Reilly Giff Web site!