Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medal–winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, weaves a poignant story that celebrates how our unique "small truths" make each of us magical and brave in our own ways. When Robbie spends the summer at his grandmother Maddy's house, he revels in his grandmother's easy, relaxed ways. Robbie has always felt as if something is missing in his life—his parents don't always act like they love him. Maddy helps him understand that an experience his mother had long ago is at the heart of the problem in his family. With this knowledge, Robbie finds the courage to try to make things right. Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book ALA Booklist Notable Children's Books Nominee New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing   This gentle, heartfelt novel is a story of finding your voice when you feel unheard. A Grandmother and Grandson Story: Robbie discovers a world of love and understanding with his grandmother Maddy, a woman who shares cornbread with bears and teaches him the power of his own "small truths." - Coming of Age: A quiet, poignant summer story about a boy learning to navigate the difficult emotions that come with feeling lonely in his own family. - Emotional Healing: When Robbie learns why his musician mother is so distant, he begins a journey to mend the quiet hurt that has shaped their lives. - Gentle Middle Grade Fiction: A heartfelt book perfect for middle grade readers that explores what it means to be brave and speak your own truth, even to the people you love most. Gr 3-5-An elegant exploration of love and familial relationships. Robbie is looking forward to spending the summer with his grandmother, Maddy. He likes her eccentric stories, he likes that wild animals come right up to her, and he likes how Maddy makes his parents nervous. Robbie often feels that his parents, accomplished professional musicians, love their instruments more than him. Over the course of the summer, Maddy helps him realize that he can be brave enough to express his feelings openly even though his mother might not be capable of saying "I love you" in return. This story is well paced and rhythmic in its dialogue, lending itself well to a group read-aloud. This is a sweet, easy chapter book that teaches children about coming to terms with their own feelings as well as accepting and appreciating others for their own "small truths." -Tiffany O'Leary, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NYα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Master storyteller MacLachlan spins an emotional yarn about the bond between a boy and his grandmother. Feeling distanced from his aloof parents, Robbie is excited to spend the summer with his grandmother Maddy. Even though his parents think Maddy is a bit odd, Robbie knows the truth—that Maddy is special and understands him like no one else. During his time with Maddy, Robbie discovers the truth that is in him—that he is brave, strong, and, most of all, loved. Throughout the summer, Maddy unveils stories about his mother’s past, and Robbie begins to understand the resulting strained relationships. Robbie’s bond with Maddy is a strong one, and readers will relate to their special connection. A spare, poetically composed tale written in short chapters perfect for beginning read-it-alone readers, this should resonate with young and old alike—and makes for a great intergenerational story to share. Grades 2-4. --Sarah Bean Thompson Praise for Kindred Souls: “MacLachlan handles a familiar theme with grace, providing a lens into an uncanny intergenerational bond, as well as the kindness and generosity of love.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Kindred Souls: “These are time-sculpted themes-the bond between a child and a grandparent, a child’s first experience of death, the comfort of continuity and connection to the natural world—and MacLachlan gives them her particular stamp of plain speaking and poetry.” - The Horn Book Praise for Kindred Souls: “The quiet rhythms of the story and the gentle banter of the dialogue make this an ideal group read aloud, but plenty of young readers will simply find it the perfect book to curl up with on their own.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Brief but emotionally intense...MacLachlan demonstrates her mastery of elegantly unfolding a tale and gently plucking at readers’ heartstrings without taking a maudlin tone.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A spare, poetically composed tale written in short chapters perfect for beginning read-it-alone readers, this should resonate with young and old alike―and makes for a great intergenerational story to share.” - ALA Booklist “An elegant exploration of love and familial relationships...This story is well paced and rhythmic in its dialogue, lending itself well to a group read-aloud. This is a sweet, easy chapter book that teaches children about coming to terms with their