Two for Joy

With eight-year-old Jenna's great-aunt Tannie's health declining, Jenna and her mother decide that it's time that Tannie leave her Mississippi farm and move in with the two of them. But persuading Tannie takes work, as does adjusting to life with an older, ailing relative after Tannie agrees to join them in Virginia. Amateau makes each member of this three-generational family multidimensional; their love for each other is on full display, but the story doesn't sugarcoat the difficulties of caring for a relative whose strong will is sometimes at odds with a frail body. It's a sensitive account of a family coming together, and a solid resource for those facing similar decisions. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 7%E2%80%939. Author's agent: Leigh Feldman, Leigh Feldman Literary. (June)