An abandoned mansion slated for destruction, an ancient mulberry tree that holds important memories, and a family still working out the terms of parental separation. These are the ingredients in Julianne Negri’s debut novel for middle fiction readers about Hattie Maxwell, whose world has been uprooted and who is determined to fight for the house and tree she loves.

Aided by a full moon, she manages to time-slip into the 1970s at Hummingbird House, and there she meets a girl who loves lost words. Their friendship helps both of them negotiate a difficult time in their lives and may even rescue the mansion from the hands of nefarious developers. Set in the streets of Brunswick, there is also a mysterious yarn bomber leaving knitted signs around town and an eccentric younger sister. Reminiscent of Playing Beatie Bow, this is a charming novel that will be enjoyed by readers aged 10+.

Angela Crocombe is the manager of Readings Kids.