ABOUT THIS BOOK

Family sticks with family. That’s the golden rule G’ma taught Kendall. But once G’ma’s gone, Kendall has no family left—except for an aunt G’ma asked for at the end, who Kendall barely remembers. Only Aunt Janet knows what G’ma had in mind, but she never even shows up at the funeral. With child services on Kendall’s case and just 10 days to get her apartment lease renewed, Kendall sets out for Janet’s home in New Orleans to get her life in order—and her questions answered.

But what she finds are new friends, like Evie, who is confined to a wheelchair, but can sing like the women on G’ma’s old records; Miss Clare, who needs Kendall’s help as much as Kendall needs hers; and Marcus, who is younger than them all, but still knows how to get by. And when Mardi Gras arrives, with its parades and prizes and music, anything seems possible—even making a fresh start, with or without Janet.


From the Hardcover edition.


REVIEWS

“A touching novel.”–School Library Journal

“[Smith] shows a keen insight into grief, growing up, and moving on.”–The Bulletin, Recommended

A moving story that rings true.”–Kirkus Reviews


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherri L. Smith has worked in animation, film, comic books, and construction. This is her second novel. She lives in Los Angeles, California.