Flor’s uneventful but happy life is dealt two simultaneous blows. Her best friend Sylvie, the only other 11-year-old in their Lake Erie island community, is sent away to attend a private academy at the same time that Flor’s mom leaves, ostensibly to care for her ill mother. But Flor knows that her grandmother’s many relatives living nearby could help out and suspects her mom’s leaving has more to do with the escalating arguing between her parents. Money is tight, and sometimes Flor imagines that it’s hard for her mom being the only non-white person, let alone the only Spanish-speaker, on the island. Meanwhile, Flor’s perfect older sister Cecelia has become secretive and distant, abandoning Flor just when she needs her most. Welcoming the distraction of island newcomers, Flor finds herself intrigued by eccentric Dr. Fife and his daughter Jasper and their study of trilobites. Enduring and unexpected friendships and connections play important roles in a story rich with character development, successfully blending a compelling plot with thoughtful introspection, all framed by the appealing small-town island setting. (Ages 8–12)