Found Things

In her atmospheric first novel, Hilton (The Christian Girl’s Guide to Your Mom) transports readers to the deep woods of Quincely, N.H., and into the mind of 11-year-old River Rose Byrne, who has started speaking with an odd accent ever since her older brother, Theron, disappeared in the wake of a car accident that may have involved drunk driving. At school, River is tormented by a classmate, Daniel, but she finds an unexpected ally in new student Meadow Lark Frankenfield, who is teased because of her “popped-out eye and her lurchy way of walking,” but whose quiet confidence River admires. Meadow Lark gradually befriends River, joining her in dreaming and making wishes on the local river. When a dark wish they make appears to come true, and Theron’s possessions begin to go missing, their friendship is thrown into question. An eerie sense of foreboding surrounding Meadow Lark, the wishes, and Theron’s whereabouts creates tension that will carry readers through the book like the current of the river that River is so drawn to. Ages 9–12. [em]Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (July) [/em]