House That Wasn't There

"In this luminous story full of mystery and magic, Elana K. Arnold weaves a shimmering tapestry about the lovely and surprising ways we're connected to each other. Heart-healing, hopeful, and wonderfully inventive, this beautiful novel by a master storyteller is not to be missed." --Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan

Alder has always lived in his cozy little house in Southern
California. And for as long as he can remember, the old, reliable, comforting
walnut tree has stood between his house and the one next door. That is, until a
new family--with a particularly annoying girl his age--moves into the neighboring
house and, without warning, cuts it down.

Oak doesn't understand why her family had to move to
Southern California. She has to attend a new school, find new friends, and live
in a new house that isn't even ready--her mother had to cut down a tree on their
property line in order to make room for a second floor. And now a strange boy
next door won't stop staring at her, like she did something wrong moving here
in the first place.

As Oak and Alder start school together, they can't imagine
ever becoming friends. But the two of them soon discover a series of
connections between them--mysterious, possibly even magical puzzles they can't
put together. At least not without each other's help.
Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold returns with an unforgettable story of the strange, wondrous threads that run between all of us, whether we know they're there or not.