Sara is in 6th grade, rehearsing to be Wendy in the class Peter Pan play, and missing her mother who died a couple of years ago.  She is a lover of cats but not allowed to own one.  She is coming down with the flu and what she really needs is a soft, loving hug.  Her dad, still grieving, is remote.  One particularly lonely night the doorbell rings and in darts a little white kitten.  Fate?  Luck?  Serendipity.  Sara convinces her dad to let it stay until the weekend, hoping to be able to change her dad’s mind about keeping it.  With the help of their neighbor, Mrs. Whittier, Sara tries to help her dad get over his sadness, find out more about her mother, as well as explore her friendship/crush with Garrett, a boy in her class.  Roth weaves a compelling tale of loneliness, loss, and love.  Written in free verse form, each word is well chosen.  The pace is constant as the layers of the story unfold.  This is a story that will stay with you after reading the last word.