Center of Gravity

(Paperback)

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Description

Tessa has always been anxious, but it's become worse since her mother died a few months ago. To calm herself down she cuts out photos of missing kids-from milk cartons-and keeps them in a file. It helps her feel like she's not alone. Her friends are drifting away. Then worst of all, Tessa's dad announces suddenly that he's getting married-and that his fianc is pregnant. His fianc's parents gift them a house at the beach, and Tessa must move. As Tessa navigates new friendships with a group of misfit boys and a new stepmother, she realizes she must let go of old friends and old habits if she wants to regain control of her life. Once again, Shaunta Grimes delivers a character and story that will speak to many readers.

Reviews

Praise for The Astonishing Maybe:

"At first, this is a book about friendship with a touch of magical realism. As it progresses, it becomes a deeper meditation about a parent's clinical depression from a child's point of view. Well crafted and unique. Recommended. --School Library Journal

"Middle-schooler Gideon Quinton wasn't thrilled about moving with his family across the U.S. to nowhere Nevada right at the start of summer break. When he arrives to his new neighborhood, he notices there's a girl next door about his age ... and she takes him on (un-Quinton-like) wild, Hobbit-like adventures. For the reader, especially any adult reader, this story is heartbreaking." --Booklist

Author Bio

Shaunta Grimes is the author of The Astonishing Maybe and Center of Gravity. She lives in Pennsylvania with her family. You can visit her online at whatisaplot.com.