Touch Blue

by Lord, Cynthia

• ISBN13: 9780545035316
• ISBN10: 0545035317
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-08-01
• Publisher: Scholastic Press

Summary

Touch Blue and your wish will come true."Why take chances?" says eleven-year-old Tess Brooks.Especially when it's so easy to let the universe know what you want by touching blue or turning around three times or crossing your fingers.But Tess is coming to know that it's not always that simple. The state of Maine has a plan to shut down her island's schoolhouse, which would force Tess's family to move to the mainland--and Tess to leave the only home she has ever known. Fortunately the islandershave a plan, too: increase the school numbers by having several families take in foster children. So now Tess and her family are taking a chance on Aaron, a thirteen-year-old trumpet player who has been bounced from home to home, and Tess needs a plan of her own--and all the luck she can muster. Will Tess's wish come true or will her luck run out? Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord offers a warm, humorous, and thoughtful look at what it means to belong--and how lucky we feel when we do. Touch Blue, sure as certain, will touch your heart.

Author Biography

Cynthia Lord is the award-winning author of RULES, a Newbery Honor book (among its many distinctions), as well as the critically acclaimed TOUCH BLUE, released August, 2010. She made her picture book debut with HOT ROD HAMSTER. She lives in Maine with her family. Visit her at cynthialord.com.

Excerpts

From Touch BlueGlancing back to the ferry, I spy Dad's Red Sox cap in the line of passengers. "There they are!" I wave, but Dad's speaking to the ferry crew, who are unloading boxes, groceries, and bags of mail.

Then I see Aaron. Skinny as a spar, he seems too tall for thirteen, with a pinched-sour mouth and red hair. A redhead on a boat is unlucky! Why didn't Iremember to mention that to his caseworker? His hair falls near to his shoulders, bright as October leaves....

"This is Libby and Tess." Dad holds an old tan suitcase in one hand. "We're all glad you're here, Aaron. Isn't that right, girls?"

"Yes!" Libby shoves by me and throws her arms around Aaron's waist.

Aaron lifts one hand cautiously. He gives Libby a little, quick pat on her back and then steps away from her.

I push my lips into my widest, welcomest smile. "Hi, Aaron!"

He glances at me. His eyes are muddy green, like the sea deep in the coves. "Hi." He says it flatly, like I'm just anybody.

Why'd Natalie pick this boy for us? A fear whispers in me that maybe she didn't have anywhere else to send him.