The Anxious Exile of Sara Salt

Gr 3-6–A meaningful, heartwarming read exploring different types of families, housing insecurity, selective mutism, postpartum depression, and the power of creative problem-solving in quiet advocacy. Sara is a soon-to-be fifth grader whose brother is born premature and needs to spend time in the hospital. She is sent to Toronto to live with her half-sister Abby until her brother can come home. Abby lives in a storage container home and is working on creating transitional housing for the unhoused. Sara has selective mutism and has to find creative ways to communicate her needs, especially after meeting unhoused folks who are camping and wanting to advocate for them. The novel is written in letters from Sara to her baby brother, making it a fast-paced, accessible read perfect for an early middle grade reading level and great for the classroom. Kids with big feelings and compassion will relate to Sara’s experiences. Prendergast explores powerful themes in a way that is hopeful and shows kids they too can make a difference.