Army Brats

In this realistic snapshot of military family life, tight-knit siblings Tom (12), Charlotte (10), and Rosie (6) are proud army brats, accustomed to moving from place to place, but Fort Patrick will be the Baileys’ first experience living on base. Their mother, an intelligence officer, promises them that “Things on post are safe,” and they initially delight in the freedom they’re given to explore the orderly community. But a combination of mean girls, a bully, and a rash of disappearing dogs have the kids questioning their safe idyll, while adding a sense of unified adventure to their days. The novel is threaded with details that speak to the rituals and lingo of military life, from shopping (“We’re black on flour. Would you guys run to the commissary and pick some up?”) to eating at the officer’s club. Filled with fierce female characters and strong sibling bonds, both blood and adopted (Rosie was adopted from China at age three), this celebration of family from Benedis-Grab (The Angel Tree), a PW contributor, will speak to military and civilian readers alike. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. (Mar.)