Elise, an 11-year-old orphan being raised by her aunt and uncle, has a difficult time in the transition to middle school. Her locker partner is a mean-girl bully. Her elementary school best friend, Franklin, starts to feel like an anchor, holding her back. New house guests cut into the family routines that she's come to count on. She hides from school and blows off homework. Elise is floundering. Then she discovers a key with her name on it. It unlocks one of the secret rooms in her uncle's barn/workshop. That room, the first of eight, starts Elise on a journey to discover who she is and where she comes from and encourages her to decide what sort of person she wants to be.
Review
Beautiful, honest story of Elise's journey and struggles. Elise really wrestles with who she is going to be. I wanted to take on her nemesis - what a mean little thing she is! I loved the idea that her dad/family would arrange for this discovery of the eight rooms - she had a tangible expression of her father's love for her at a time when she really needed it. I needed a handful of tissues to get through the story. Beautifully told.
4 out of 5 stars
AR level of 3.8
Recommendations: for kids 10 and older, good discussion book for family or classroom reading
Cautions: none
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