A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon

Born in the Lancaster Avenue branch of the New York City Public Library to a circulation librarian, 10-year-old Pearl is well-known to its staff, and loves books, her neighborhood, and the library’s garden statue of Edna St. Vincent Millay. When the statue’s head disappears, Pearl’s scream brings the entire neighborhood running. The head’s theft makes the paper and draws developers to the underresourced library, which needs repairs that the city refuses to finance. As the library loses importance as a “neighborhood hub,” Pearl and her mother aim to save it. Neighbors and library regulars rally to help, as does Francine, the neighborhood new girl who slowly shows Pearl the power of friendship. But it’s the raccoons living in the basement, who publish a newspaper and ally with Pearl, who help her in her quest. Part mystery, part coming-of-age journey, Young’s (Hundred Percent) story interweaves realistically flawed, fully formed characters with real-world issues (declining library attendance and homelessness) and fantastical elements. Sidebars (“A Sidebar About Legends”) penned by a mysterious author and signature illustrations by Bagley offer charming details. Ages 10–14. [em]Author’s agent: Faye Bender, the Book Group. Illustrator’s agent: Alexandra Penfold, Upstart Crow Literary. (Jan.) [/em]