The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe

Eleven-year-old homebody Loah Londonderry, who enjoys knitting and loves the family’s rickety old home, is the opposite of her single mother, a dedicated ornithologist who’s away in the Arctic longer than planned, risking her life to save her daughter’s namesake, the nearly extinct loah bird. Left in the care of elderly siblings, gentle Theo and tough Miss Rinker, Loah is overwhelmed by problems: Theo, falling ill, has to be hospitalized; a city home inspector keeps coming around, demanding repairs be made to Loah’s beloved house in the woods; and her new friend Ellis wants to run away. Loah keeps her worries inside until an incident forces her to step outside her comfort zone, seeking aid and protecting what’s dear. Through metaphor and imagery, Springstubb’s (Every Single Second) tender, sensitively written story captures the essences of places and characters, including frequently dismayed, brave Loah. In addition to offering unique personalities across the cued-white cast and a lesson about global warming, the book provides a host of facts about birds. Ages 9–12. [em]Agent: Sarah Davies, Greenhouse Literary. (June) [/em]