Blue Balliett's most recent story has a cryptic opening chapter that sets the stage for a mystery with serious undertones. Early's father, Dash, has disappeared on his way home from work at the Chicago Public Library. It soon becomes clear that Dash's disappearance is linked to the "extra" work he was doing helping process donated books. Dash thought all was aboveboard, but the police are quick to assume the missing man was involved in a crime. The more Early tries to discover what happened, the clearer it becomes that something criminal was going on without Dash's knowledge. Smart, observant Early must figure out a way to understand numerical patterns and wordplay in hopes of solving her dad's disappearance. But this story is also an affecting look at homelessness and the power of dreams. Without Dash's income, Early, her little brother, and mother end up in a shelter. The reality and emotional impact of life without a permanent home are poignantly portrayed through vivid, child-centered details. At the same time, African American Early has been raised in a family that believes in aiming high and working hard to achieve their dreams. The Langston Hughes poem "Dreams" is their touchstone, and its message proves transformative. The story's ending, full of optimism, is not the most realistic dimension of the novel but it's one to embrace. Because sometimes, it's the unjaded eyes of a child that can look at old problems in new ways-seeing possibilities rather than barriers, offering hope rather than hopelessness. (Ages 8-11)

From NYT 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.

Where is Early's father? He's not the kind of father who would disappear. But he's gone . . . and he's left a whole lot of trouble behind.As danger closes in, Early, her mom, and her brother have to flee their apartment. With nowhere else to go, they are forced to move into a city shelter. Once there, Early starts asking questions and looking for answers. Because her father hasn't disappeared without a trace. 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.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.