Four months ago Patrick Devereaux’s little brother, Andrew, was struck down and killed by a car. Unable to express his grief, twelve–year–old Patrick is caught in a merry–go–round of guilt and denial. Then the eccentric Petersons move in next door. Twelve–year–old Gillian, a budding carpenter, is angry about leaving her best friend behind. Sarah, her nine–year–old sister, uses theatrics to deal with being in the middle. Their brother Neil, a lonely five year old, plays with imaginary buffaloes and a baby rabbit named Sparky. With dogged persistence, the Petersons set about to make hostile Patrick their new best friend. And Patrick begins, finally, to heal.
About the Author
Martha Brooks lives in Winnipeg. Her book Traveling on into the Light was named to the international 1996 IBBY Honour List and is an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults. Two Moons in August and Paradise CafŽ and Other Stories were Governor General’s Award nominees; the latter also received the 1991 Boston Globe Horn Book Award for distinguished children’s fiction. When not writing, Martha can be found performing in local jazz clubs. Maureen Hunter is one of Canada’s most successful playwrights. Her work has been produced extensively on Canada’s major stages, in the United States, and Britain, and by CBC and BBC Radio. Atlantis was a finalist for the Governor General’s Award and Transit of Venus, premiered by the Manitoba Theatre Centre, became the first Canadian play ever staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company of Britain. A native of Saskatchewan, Maureen now lives on the banks of the Red River in Winnipeg.
