Home Free.

It is Toronto in the sixties. Lee Mets is eleven. Her passion and gift for writing, recognized and encouraged by her teacher, results in Home Free, her account of one notable summer.

An avid reader who is fascinated by new words, Lee especially loves stories about orphans. Steeped in the story of Anne of Green Gables, she is thrilled when an orphan with red hair comes to live next door. She is sure that, like Anne, Cassandra will be a tragic romantic figure and will become a kindred spirit and bosom buddy.

As the summer progresses, Lee realizes that Cassandra can become a good friend, but cannot be stereotyped. Cassandra, too, is talented and original, but despite Lee’s limitless curiosity, refuses to discuss her parentage. When Lee’s father dies suddenly, she learns that there is no romance in losing a parent. As she works through her grief the two friends are finally able to share their true emotions.

Sharon Jennings, a prolific author for children has a Master’s degree in English and a background in publishing and speech arts. In Home Free she has produced a book that will resonate with young readers aged 9–12. They will enjoy the directness of Lee’s writing and the tension within the story. This is an essential purchase for all libraries.