"In this luminous story full of mystery and magic, Elana K. Arnold
weaves a shimmering tapestry about the lovely and surprising ways we're
connected to each other. Heart-healing, hopeful, and wonderfully
inventive, this beautiful novel by a master storyteller is not to be
missed." --Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One
and Only Ivan
Alder has always lived in his cozy little house in Southern California.
And for as long as he can remember, the old, reliable, comforting walnut
tree has stood between his house and the one next door. That is, until a
new family--with a particularly annoying girl his age--moves into the
neighboring house and, without warning, cuts it down.
Oak doesn't understand why her family had to move to Southern
California. She has to attend a new school, find new friends, and live
in a new house that isn't even ready--her mother had to cut down a tree
on their property line in order to make room for a second floor. And now
a strange boy next door won't stop staring at her, like she did
something wrong moving here in the first place.
As Oak and Alder start school together, they can't imagine ever becoming
friends. But the two of them soon discover a series of connections
between them--mysterious, possibly even magical puzzles they can't put
together. At least not without each other's help.
Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold returns with an unforgettable story
of the strange, wondrous threads that run between all of us, whether we
know they're there or not.
