Zip

Rollins debuts with a clever, all-American retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, with 11-year-old Lyssa Lee in the role of Ulysses. After Lyssa’s mother died, Lyssa moved from Austin, Tex., to Washington State with her stepfather, Michael. But Michael can’t replace her mother, Ana Lee, a talented performer who made every day an adventure. When Lyssa mysteriously discovers a paper airplane bearing the message that her childhood home will be demolished, she travels to Texas via her scooter, Zip, to save the house and the memory of Ana Lee. Along the way, Rollins recasts the travails Ulysses faced in novel ways: the Lotus-Eaters become the reality TV–obsessed Lotus Crew, sirens sing at a burlesque club—and beware the hot tub at the Motel Charybdis. Rollins’s story moves at a fast clip, yet the numerous characters she introduces are well-drawn, from caring but awkward Michael to Penn (née Penelope), Lyssa’s acrobatic best friend in Austin. Slapstick humor and a sense of magic help maintain this affecting story’s levity as Lyssa learns to overcome her fears and accept change. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stephen Barbara, Foundry Literary + Media. (Sept.)