Tom, a typical seventh-grader, has his life changed in some powerful and interesting ways when Jessica joins his class. She is not what anyone expected. Jessica has been badly burned and has had her face badly disfigured. As Tom learns more about Jessica, and sorts lies from truth, he finds out a little about himself as well.

"This novel may be brief, but it leaves a big impact."
-Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Tom's a normal seventh-grader, negotiating a slightly prickly stage in his long friendship with Jeff...The arrival of new girl Jessica Feeney, however, changes everything; Jessica, who is attending a local hospital for treatment, has been badly burned by a fire, and her terrible disfigurement shocks the class into confusion. This isn't the usual book about adjustment to difference; instead, Abbott brilliantly explores the kids' struggle to manage the intrusion of abnormality in their lives...this is a thoughtful exploration of a brief interlude's lasting impact."
-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books


Tony Abbott is the author of over 35 books for young readers, including the extremely popular Secrets of the Droon series, which has sold over 4.5 million books to date. He has worked in a bookstore and libraries, and currently lives in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters.

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Distributor: Hachette Book Group USA
Publication Date: 06-01-2007
Pages: 160
Measurements: 7.625in X 5.25in X .5in X .29lb