Tallahassee Higgins

"Out of sight, out of mind." That's what Tallahassee Higgins's mother, Liz, always says about her ex-boyfriends. But now that Tallahassee has been sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Maryland so Liz can start a movie career in California, the words are taking on new meaning.

Aunt Thelma says that Liz is gone for good, but Talley is sure her mother will come for her. So who cares if mean Aunt Thelma hates her, if she's failing sixth grade, or if the kids at school think she's a liar? It's not like she's staying in Maryland forever.

Unless Aunt Thelma is right and Liz isn't coming back.

• A Heartbreaking Mother-Daughter Story: Twelve-year-old Talley is left with relatives in Maryland when her beautiful, unreliable mother, Liz, chases a dream of stardom in California.
• Uncovering Family Secrets: While exploring her mother's past, Talley discovers the truth about the father she never knew--a boy named Johnny Russell whose story changes everything.
• The Pain of Not Fitting In: At her new school, Talley's stories about her "movie star" mom make her a target, leaving her feeling more alone than ever.
• Finding a True Friend: Just when she needs one most, Talley meets Jane, a neighbor who becomes her first real friend and ally in a confusing new world.
• A Classic Coming of Age Novel: A timeless and emotional middle grade book about resilience, discovering who you are, and learning that family is more complicated than you ever imagined.