Set in 1975, this tender novel shows how even when life seems out of one’s control — people die, parents disappoint — persistence* and belief pay off.

The story is told from the perspective of Raymie Clarke, whose father has just left the family for a dental hygienist*. Raymie, however, has a plan to bring him back: she will win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire contest, get her picture in the paper, and her father will come running home.

The plan inspires her to take a baton-twirling* class, where she meets Beverly Tapinski — a girl with a chip on her shoulder, who vows to sabotage* the contest — and ingenuous* Louisiana Elefante, an orphan who claims to be the daughter of the famous Flying Elefantes.

With extraordinary skill, two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo traces the girls’ growing trust in each other while using understated confessionals and subtly expressed yearnings* to show how tragedies have affected each of them.

The book ends with a daring cat-rescue mission: fraught* with adventure, danger, and a miracle or two, the escapade* reveals how love and compassion* can overcome even the highest hurdles.

(SD-Agencies)