Eleven and Holding (Loretta)

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Title: Eleven and Holding (June 2016)
Author: Mary Penney (United States)
Age in store: 11 

Briefly, what it's about: Macy Hollinquest is stuck. She can't go back to the way things were before Nana died and her coffee shop was sold to creepy George, who basically "stole" it from her family. She can't go forward because her father hasn't returned from duty after being discharged from the Marines. Where could he be? Macy's mother talks about a "secret mission" he's on but he would never miss her twelfth birthday, ever. So much of her life is like standing on a crumbling edge of a rock cliff, but Macy's holding on with all of her being to the one thing that is secure -- which is being eleven. Her birthday, however, is right around the corner and it's time to take matters into her own hands. Priority number one: find her dad.

Loretta's rave: This is a lovely story. Every aspect of Macy's life is difficult and confusing, but Macy refuses to give up until she finds some answers. She makes some bad choices and isn't always honest with her best friend, but she needs answers. Of course, they are not the answers she is expecting and her life just gets more complicated, but she pushes forward into the unknown while racking up a pack of guilt. Macy discovers that life can surprise you in joyful, unexpected ways, yet there are also the painful surprises that suck your breath away and force you to grow up. These she faces with courage and learns how to turn loss and growing pains into hope and renewal. Real honesty about mental health issues and the strength found in friendships.

Number of stars: 4.5/5

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