Chasing Stars

In this high-interest accessible novel for middle-grade readers, a twelve-year-old girl struggles to adapt to big changes when her grandfather with dementia moves in, her parents become too busy, and her once-close sister prepares to move out. Growing up comes with growing pains no matter what, but for twelve-year-old Libby, the changes feel like more than she can bear. After an incident caused by his worsening dementia, Libby's grandfather comes to live with her family, a move that ripples out into other changes. Libby's dad quits his job to become the grandfather's primary caretaker, while her mom picks up the financial slack by working extra shifts. Meanwhile, Libby's older sister and ex-best friend, Erica, packs for a move to boarding school to make room in their modest family home. Libby feels like her cozy world is crashing down around her. But how can she keep up when she's the only one standing still? AGES: 7 to 9 AUTHOR: Meg Gaertner is an editor of middle grade and young adult fiction, the author of several children's nonfiction books, and a graduate of the MFA in Creative Writing program at Antioch University L.A. When she is not writing, she can be found swing dancing, hiking in nature, or playing with her two cats, Phobos and Deimos.