Award-winning adult author Benjamin Markovits delivers a poignant coming-of-age middle grade story that will give comfort to anyone feeling like a small fish in a Texas-size sea. Perfect for fans of Kevin Henkes, Rebecca Stead, and Kate DiCamillo.

Twelve-year-old Ben is a shy, quiet kid. His life isn't perfect, but he feels at home in his New York City apartment. Then his dad takes a job in London, and everything changes.

His parents separate, and Ben's mom moves them back to her hometown of Austin, Texas. Ben's simple life is suddenly complicated. He misses his apartment, his best friend, Jake, and his dad.

Then he meets Mabley, who becomes a bright spot to Ben's day. But when his mom starts working at his new school and making friends with his teacher, Ben finds himself at the center of all the problems the adults around him can't resolve--and even some of his own. That includes joining the school's basketball team, where Mabley's best friend is the star player.

After being pushed around, looking for his place, Ben will have to learn how to stand his ground.

--Kirkus Reviews

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 02/04/2020
ISBN: 9780062742308
Pages: 336
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.50w x 1.20d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2019
Booklist 12/01/2019 pg. 59
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2020
School Library Journal 01/01/2020 pg. 73