New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots with a moving yet witty story of an unforgettable summer friendship. For fans of Jacqueline Wilson, David Almond and Katherine Rundell. In her seventh novel, international bestselling author and twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal Kate DiCamillo tells a masterful story that blends pathos and humour. Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father - who has run away with a dental hygienist - will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton, but she has to compete with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante with her show-business background and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship - and challenge them to come to each other's rescue in unexpected ways.

 

This book has been graded for interest at 10-12 years.

There are 272 pages in this book. This book was published 2017 by Walker Books Ltd .

Kate DiCamillo is the author of Because of Winn-Dixie (Newbery Honor), Tiger Rising (National Book Award Finalist), The Tale of Despereaux (Newbery Medal), The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Boston Globe-Horn Book Award), the Mercy Watson series (Theodore Geisel Honor) and Great Joy (New York Times Bestseller).