From Ali Standish award-winning author of The Ethan I Was Before August Isle How to
Disappear Completely and The Mending Summer comes a captivating historical fiction middle
grade novel about a boy on the home front in World War II who must solve the mystery of the
disappearance of his best friend. Perfect for fans of Alan Gratz and Lauren Wolk this riveting
adventure explores what true heroism means. Multilayered moving and tremendously powerful.
-Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Standish's uplifting mystery tackles big themes of abuse
bullying heroism mental health and prejudice.-Publishers Weekly (starred review) A heartfelt
tale about what it means to be a hero and take a stand against injustice. -ALA Booklist
(starred review) Danny Timmons has looked up to Jack Bailey ever since Jack saved two small
children from drowning during the Great Flood of 1940. Now with his father away fighting in
World War II and his mother about to have a new baby Danny relies on Jack's friendship and
guidance more than ever. So when Jack goes missing without a trace from their small Appalachian
town Danny is determined to find him. He wonders if Jack's abusive father could be behind his
disappearance or if it has anything to do with Yonder-a hidden magical town Jack once spoke of
where flocks of rainbow birds fly through the sky and they've never heard of war. As answers
elude him Danny begins to fear that he didn't know Jack as well as he thought. Ultimately
Danny's investigation forces him to reckon with even larger questions: What is America fighting
for in this war? What role do each of us play in stopping injustices big and small? And is
there such thing as a true hero? A Jane Addams Book Award Honor Book! A Cybils Award Middle
Grade Finalist! A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection A Bank Street Books Best
Children's Book of the Year for ages 9-12 in Historical Fiction and noted for outstanding merit
(2023) A 2024-2025 S.C Junior Book Award Nominee! Both timely and historical. An exploration of
what it means to be brave and do good. -Tae Keller Newbery Medal-winning author of When You
Trap a Tiger A thoughtful eloquent and honest examination of prejudice loyalty and what it
means to be brave. -Alan Gratz New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Ground Zero A
beautiful and important novel that explores what it means to be a hero and the role of each of
us to stand up for what's right. -Karina Yan Glaser New York Times bestselling author of the
Vanderbeekers series
