Twelve-year-old Suzy Bowles dreams of life outside the small town of Burr Oak Michigan, but when she stumbles on the opportunity to learn ostrich-riding with the infamous Madame Marantette her obligations to her family on the farm threaten to derail her dreams of a bigger life. Includes photographs and information on Madame Marantette.

From the New York Times best-selling creator of the Vanderbeekers series comes a triumphant tale of friendship, healing, and the power of believing in ourselves, told from the perspectives of two biracial sixth graders living in a homeless shelter. At first, June can't believe it: their new home is a homeless shelter? When she's told she can't bring her cherished viola inside, she's convinced the worst luck in the world landed her at Huey House....