Mrs. Burt unrolled her window and shouting for all the world to hear, “We’re absconding, boys! We’re absconding! Yippee!”
When twelve-year-old Curtis’ mother does not come home from her night shift at the gas station, he is 98% sure she will be back. After all, she promised never to leave him and his five-year old brother again. But the days turn into a week and Curtis has no money and no food, and the landlord wants his rent. It’s a good thing the boys have befriended the lady across the street, Mrs. Burt. She doesn’t ask too many questions because she’s got secrets of her own. Mrs. Burt needs the boys as much as they need her. When the police come to Curtis’ apartment building, Mrs. Burt hatches a plan to escape to her cabin in the woods. Will this save them from foster care, or will they all end up in trouble. And what about Curtis’ mom? Curtis and his little brother grow up during their time with Mrs. Burt. They all need each other in order to heal their secret wounds. Fans of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet would enjoy this book.
ISBN: 9781554981311 214 pages. Middle grades 4-8.
Recommended by:Alice Cyphers, Librarian, Pennsylvania USA
