In a magical story that blurs the lines between reality and the fantastic, Persephone Clark has a talent for making things grow, but in the wake of her brother's accident, the only things growing are the lies and secrets she's been keeping.Thirteen-year-old Persephone Pearl Clark has never met a plant that wouldn't bud or bloom for her. But lately, between the accident that left her older brother, Levi, with an irreversible brain injury, a messy fight with her once-best friend Mya, and a pile of lies growing faster than the stack of medical bills she collects from the post office every day, Persephone is stuck. She would give anything to change things for her family, but unfortunately, money doesn't grow on trees.So, when she stumbles upon Levi's unfinished application submitting their hometown of Coulter, Wisconsin, to Small Town Revival-the famous makeover show with a large financial prize attached-Persephone forges her older brother's signature and sends it in. She is certain she's carrying out a dream Levi never got the chance to see to fruition. But as small-town gossip takes root and Persephone's lies grow like weeds, the things that once bloomed for her are wilting instead.With the help of unexpected allies including a wonderful but peculiar old woman and her possibly magical cat, Persephone learns that while planting the seeds of truth is never easy, everything blooms when it's ready.Story Locale: Wisconsin, small-town setting

CLASSIC MIDDLE GRADE! Beth Hautala delivers another emotionally resonant and squarely middle grade novel-this time, with a lush and skillful dose of not-quite-magic interwoven throughout.FRESH FRACTURED FAMILY DYNAMICS: Beth has a gift for exploring the messiness of families, and this new book beautifully captures the love and complications between siblings, as well as the lengths we will go to for those we love.DISABILITY VISIBILITY: With a nonverbal brother experiencing severe mental and physical disabilities, this novel depicts with grace and care how a family rallies around those they love.AWARD WINNER! Beth understands how to tap into the core values and issues of those difficult tween years, and her most recent novel, The Ostrich and Other Lost Things, winning the Christopher Award in 2018 affirms that fact.SALES REP FAVORITE! Beth's debut, Waiting for Unicorns, was the middle grade rep pick of the Spring 2015 list for its touching, heart-tugging, honest voice and story. This new book from Beth captures that same warm feeling through serious and topical issues.