How High the Moon: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Description

In this tender novel set in 1955 Mill Town, Wisconsin, Sandra Kring explores the complicated bond between mothers and daughters, the pressure to conform, and the meaning of friendship and family.

Ten-year-old Isabella Teaspoon Marlene has been a handful ever since her mother, Catty, dumped her with an old boyfriend and ran off to Hollywood. Teaspoon fights, fibs, never stops singing, and is as unpredictable and fearless as a puppy off its leash. Still, Teddy Favors, a man who has taken his share of kicks, is determined to raise her right.

Teaspoon wants to be better for Teddyeven ifthat means agreeing to take part in a do-gooder mentorship program and being paired up with Brenda Bloom, the beautiful reigning Sweetheart of Mill Town. Against all odds, as the summer passes, this unlikely duo discover a special friendship as they face personal challenges, determined to follow their hearts instead of convention.

Its while Brenda and Teaspoon are putting together the grandest show the Starlight Theater has ever seen that Catty returns to Mill Town, shattering illusions and testing loyalties. But by the final curtain call, one determined little girl shows an entire town the healing that can happen when you let your heart take center stage.

Reviews

"Your heart, like mine, will go out to irrepressible Teaspoon in this bittersweet story of a young girl and her dreams, with a grand-slam ending. In this one, Sandra Kring hangs the moon." Sandra Dallas, author of Tallgrass and Prayers for Sale

"How High the Moon is flat out endearing. Its about love, and life, and the mess we make of both. Its about secrets, friendships, loyalty, hope, pain, betrayals, creating our own family, and the beautiful music we can hear in our hearts if we pause, for just a moment, to listen." Cathy Lamb, author of Julias Chocolates and Henrys Sisters


"Sandra Kring never fails to impress me. I can't get enough of her humor and poignant characterizations.How High the Moon is a winner!"Lesley Kagen, author of Whistling in the Dark and Land of a Hundred Wonders

Author Bio

Sandra Kring lives in Wisconsin. Her debut novel, Carry Me Home, was a BookSense Notable Pick and a 2005 Midwest Booksellers Choice Award nominee. The Book of Bright Ideas was a 2006 Target Bookmarked selection and was named to the New York Public Librarys Books for the Teen Age list in 2007.