cover image Blue Skye

Blue Skye

Lael Littke. Scholastic, $13.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-590-43448-5

Eleven-year-old Skye and her mother Reanna had always been free spirits, traveling from one town to the next, never settling down, and Skye loved it. When Reanna decides to marry and leaves Skye with her Grandpa, the girl feels abandoned and chained down. Her new ``family,'' consisting of myriad aunts and cousins, seems to think that she'll feel right at home in Idaho, but the only attachments Skye allows herself are to a litter of stray kittens and a tag-along named Jermer Golightly. But when Reanna finally returns, Skye is suddenly reluctant to give up her newfound sense of belonging for the ``freedom'' of the open road. Lettke's energetic and heartening story introduces dynamic, instantly recognizable characters and an easy, blues-rhythm writing style that envelops the reader during Skye's compelling journey from the strangely insular world of the open road to the expansive and improvisational circle of family life. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)