Where the Heart Is

“One of those rare novels that feels less like a constructed story and more like a momentary glimpse into a real young life—genuine, stirring, and raw.”
—The Horn Book (starred review)

It’s the first day of summer and Rachel's thirteenth birthday. She can't wait to head to the lake with her best friend, Micah. But as summer unfolds, every day seems to get more complicated. Her “fun” new job taking care of the neighbors’ farm animals quickly becomes a challenge. And at home, her parents’ arguments over bills intensify. Fortunately, Rachel can count on Micah to help her cope with all the stress. But Micah seems to want their relationship to go beyond friendship. And though Rachel almost wishes for that as well, she can’t force herself to feel “that way” about him. In fact, she isn’t sure she can feel that way about any boy—or what that means. Compassion and humor infuse this story of a girl who must discover where her heart is—and what that means for her family, her identity, and her future.

About the Author

Jo Knowles is the award-winning author of the young adult novels Lessons from a Dead Girl, Jumping Off Swings, and Read Between the Lines, among others. She has also written two middle-grade novels: Still a Work in Progress and See You at Harry’s. She lives in Vermont.