"This lyrical first novel brings fresh perspective to the guilt and anger and caring that surround the mentally disabled. All the characters . . . are drawn with warmth but no patronizing reverence."--"Booklist", Starred Review"So honest is Holt's portrayal of Tiger, Momma, Daddy, Granny, and the rest that one wonders if she wrote their story while sitting in a rocker on a Saitter front porch, under the vast promises of a Louisiana Sky."--"The Horn Book", Starred Review"An unusually auspicious debut."--"Publishers Weekly", Starred ReviewAn ALA Notable Book for ChildrenAn ALA Best Book for Young AdultsA "Boston Globe-Horn Book" Award Honor for FictionA "Booklist" Editors' ChoiceOne of "Booklist"'s Top Ten First Novels of the YearA "VOYA" Outstanding Title of the YearA "Parenting Magazine" Best Book of the YearA Book Links "Book for Lasting Connections"

Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of the many award-winning novels for young adults and children, including "The Water Seeker, Keeper of the Night," and "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town," winner of a National Book Award for Young People's Literature. She is also the author of the bestselling Piper Reed series of chapter books, and picture books including "Waiting for Gregory" and "Skinny Brown Dog." Holt was born in Pensacola, Florida, and lived all over the U.S. and the world--from Paris to Norfolk to Guam to New Orleans. She long dreamed of being a writer, but first worked as a radio news director, marketed a water park, and was an interior decorator, among other jobs. She lives in West Texas with her family.