The summer of 1968 is a long one for 11-year-old Joyce. With her brother missing in action in Vietnam and Elaine, her dismissive teenage sister, focused on spotting UFOs and cuddling Jelly Bean the guinea pig, Joyce decides to move out of their shared room and onto the roof. To her surprise, her mother goes along with the plan. Unfortunately, Joyce's negligence in shutting a gate results in a neighbor's dog killing Jelly Bean, an event that devastates Elaine and further distances the two sisters, until, as the story ends, Joyce finds a way to reach her. The relatively lighthearted tone of the jacket may draw readers looking for a different kind of book. While there are elements of friendship and support in the novel, most of the characters seem to be isolated from one another and carrying difficult emotional burdens. Still, Joyce is a well-drawn protagonist who never stops trying to make things right, and some readers will respond to her emotional turmoil of pain, sadness, and hope.

Gr 4-7The story of one girl's search for meaning and identity during the summer of 1968. Joyce Magnin is fed up with her older sister Elaine's bogus UFO sightings and her squealing guinea pig, Jelly Bean. Joyce's older brother, Bud, is MIA in Vietnam, so she decides to move to the roof to get away from Elaine, Jelly Bean, and the crushing sadness in her house. From her rooftop perch, Joyce spies another rooftop dweller, Brian, who lost his brother in the war and desperately needs money for a new carburetor for his brother's truck. Joyce sets in motion actions she can't undo. Magnin's semi-autobiographical novel examines grief and what it means to be a family from 11-year-old Joyce's perspective. Readers will devour these brightly shining characters and enjoy details such as Joyce's fearlessness, Elaine's artistic vision, Dad's secret project in the basement, and Mom's green thumb. A vivid historical story with heart. VERDICT The Vietnam War creates a compelling backdrop for this engaging, poignant work. Recommended for libraries that have high demand for middle grade historical fiction.Jessica Holland, University of Kentucky, Lexington