Eleven-year-old Zoe doesn't trust anybody. Her father left long ago. Her mother couldn't even take care of herself, much less Zoe. o when her mother dies and Zoe comes to live with her newly-discovered Uncle Henry, she doesn't trust him either. Dr. Henry Royster is a former surgeon and a well-known metal sculptor. When Zoe comes to his farm outside a small town in South Carolina, she finds a fiery temper and quick intelligence to match her own, and someone who appreciates her sarcastic humor without taking offense. Uncle Henry's thorny temper covers a generous and caring heart, but Zoe isn't used to trusting anyone. She prefers roaming the woods around his farm, and reaching out to a feral cat who sleeps under the house. This coming-of-age novel has many eccentric characters, and a few surprises for Zoe and the reader.
Similar books: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012
Date read: 4/25/2011
ISBN-10: 9781590786277
ISBN-13: 9781590786277