The Secret Hum of a Daisy

Twelve-year-old Grace, mourning her mother's death, goes to live with her grandmother in Mama's hometown. Grace refuses to forgive Grandma for sending Mama away as a pregnant teen. In talking to townspeople, who help fill in gaps about her family's past, Grace finds the hope, peace, and home she's been looking for. Holczer weaves healing symbols (birds, daisies) and poetry into her lyrical text.

"Death is a hard nut to crack" for twelve-year-old Grace, who is mourning her peripatetic artist mother's unexpected passing. She wants to keep Mama's memory close but doesn't think she can do that living with her grandmother in Mama's hometown of Auburn Valley, California. The two have only just met, and Grace refuses to trust Grandma or forgive her for sending Mama away as a pregnant teen. She protests by sleeping in the shed and causing mischief in hopes that Grandma won't want her anymore. After Grandma shows her one of the junk-art birds her mother made -- a metal crane -- Grace embarks on a treasure hunt; Mama used to familiarize Grace with each new town they lived in by sending her on a treasure hunt, and now Grace believes Mama left clues for her to follow in Auburn Valley. In talking to townspeople, who help her fill in the gaps about her family's past, Grace finds her own identity and the hope, peace, and home she's been looking for. Holczer weaves healing symbols (birds, daisies) and poetry into her lyrical text, and Auburn Valley's quirky characters and small-town charm add humor and warmth. Grace is a multifaceted, relatable protagonist: she's pensive, stubborn, lonely, and caring -- much like Grandma, which is why they are able to help heal each other's grief. Their relationship evolves in an honest and tender way in this heartfelt debut about loss and love. cynthia k. ritter