From critically acclaimed author Paul Mosier, a Publishers Weekly Flying Start, comes a stunning story about the beauty of family, the power of community, and ultimately the strength of the human spirit.In this emotional coming-of-age story, twelve-year-old El has planned on making her first week at a new school fantastic. She won’t go by her given name, Laughter. She’ll sit in the back of the classroom where she can make new friends. She won’t even have time to think about all the fun her old friends are having without her. Everything will be great.But when her dad picks her up after school and tells her that her younger sister, Echo, has a life-threatening illness, her world is suddenly turned upside down. And with her parents now pressed for time and money, El feels lost and powerless.Then she forms an unlikely friendship with Octavius, the only other kid in school who gets what she’s going through. As El begins to adjust to her new life, she soon finds that maybe a little hope and a lot of love can overcome any obstacle.But how do you find your own way when your family is falling apart? A Heartfelt Family Story: When six-year-old Echo gets sick, twelve-year-old El must discover her own strength as her family is pushed to its limits by a devastating diagnosis. Powerful Sibling Relationship: El, whose real name is Laughter, has to become a rock for her little sister, navigating hospital visits and the fear of an uncertain future together. Navigating Middle School: Starting seventh grade at a new school is hard enough, but with her sister sick, El feels more alone than ever—until she meets Octavius, the one person who truly understands. Finding Hope in Hard Times: Discover how a family in crisis is lifted up by their community, proving that hope and love can be found in the most unexpected places.