Worth a Thousand Words

Four years ago, Tillie was in a car accident that damaged her hip and spine, leaving her in nearly constant pain and with a leg that doesn’t “work properly.” Ever since, Tillie has retreated behind her camera, viewing the world at a distance, until her pictures help a classmate find a missing earring and earn her the affectionate nickname “Lost and Found.” Now Tillie is in demand as a detective, tracking down lost items—though not lost people, as she clarifies to Jake, a classmate whose dad has gone missing. But Jake is persistent, and soon the pair visits his father’s office and last whereabouts. All the while, Jake insists that his dad is in danger, often in scenarios taken from his favorite old movies. Meanwhile, Tillie’s relationship with her own father is fraught: he was driving the car when she was injured and has been distant ever since. Working with Jake challenges Tillie to step out from behind her camera and into the world, and Young handles both her injury and its aftermath with realism and sensitivity. The mystery of Jake’s dad will keep readers turning pages in this touching debut coming-of-age novel. Ages 8–12. [em](Aug.) [/em]