Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She deals with change, grief, friendship, and growing up in a community facing a housing crisis. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street. But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new maybe affordable housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice and the strength to move on in order to give her community hope

Ages 8-12

Grades 4-6

710L