Sadness and stoicism mingle freely in ways that will pierce all readers. But what’s wonderful about this book, overshadowing the plot flaws, is the way Balliett so thoroughly gets inside the mind of a child accustomed to love and protection-and who now sees her life slipping away. On another front, the national attention for a homeless program Early’s devised might have fit better in a sequel. The perpetrators are cartoonish, and Early’s decision to be home schooled just when she needs to be free to find clues is awfully convenient. The story has some problems, especially when it comes to the mystery. One ice-cold day, Dash disappears, and the family must move to a shelter after an odd robbery sees their possessions stolen and their apartment destroyed. Trying to help that dream along, Dash, a page at the Chicago Public Library, makes extra money inventorying a private collection of old books. Do they have a lot? Well, yes, they have Dash’s love of words, their devotion to each other, and their dream: to have a home. *Starred Review* In a one-room apartment on Chicago’s South Side lives the Pearl family: Dash, Summer, 11-year-old Early, and little Jubie. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. With her signature, singular love of language and sense of mystery, Blue Balliett weaves a story that takes readers from the cold, snowy Chicago streets to the darkest corner of the public library, on an unforgettable hunt for deep truths and a reunited family. There are patterns and rhythms to what's happened, and Early might be the only one who can use them to track him down and make her way out of a very tough place.

Because her father hasn't disappeared without a trace.

Once there, Early starts asking questions and looking for answers. With nowhere else to go, they are forced to move into a city shelter. and he's left a whole lot of trouble behind.Īs danger closes in, Early, her mom, and her brother have to flee their apartment. Where is Early's father? He's not the kind of father who would disappear. From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Blue Balliett, the story of a girl who falls into Chicago's shelter system, and from there must solve the mystery of her father's strange disappearance.

Hold Fast by Blue Balliett