Wow. One can't discuss the plot without spoilers, but I read this almost without stopping, and it's been a while since I've done that. It's also been a while since I've read any kidlit quite this real and deep. Even when I was a kid, I knew those books: Bridge to Terabithia, Goodbye, Chicken Little. Those ones where you realize the writer is showing you the real world and believing you can handle it. This one is ripe for support and discussion in a classroom. The sense of place is still with me.