Across the Pond - by Joy McCullough (Hardcover)

About the Book

Moving to a Scottish castle allows seventh-grader Callie to escape friendship problems in San Diego, but finding new friends, even in the birding club an old journal inspires her to join, proves challenging.

Book Synopsis

From the author of A Field Guide to Getting Lost comes a heartwarming, "emotionally perceptive" (Kirkus Reviews) story about new beginnings, burgeoning friendships, and finding your flock.

Callie can't wait for her new life to start. After a major friendship breakup in San Diego, moving overseas to Scotland gives her the perfect chance to reinvent herself. On top of that, she's going to live in a real-life castle!

But as romantic as life in a castle sounds, the reality is a little less comfortable: it's run-down, freezing, and crawling with critters. Plus, starting off on the wrong foot with the gardener's granddaughter doesn't help her nerves about making new friends. So she comes up with the perfect solution: she'll be homeschooled. Her parents agree, on one condition: she has to participate in a social activity.

Inspired by a journal that she finds hidden in her bedroom, Callie decides to join a birding club. Sure, it sounds unusual, but at least it's not sports or performing. But when she clashes with the club leader, she risks losing a set of friends all over again. Will she ever be able to find her flock and make this strange new place feel like home?

Review Quotes

"McCullough has created a realistic and compelling story about belonging. Even readers unfamiliar with birdwatching will enjoy learning about the history of the sport and the subtle differences that separate species. . . [a] sweet middle-grade novel of self-acceptance and finding one's flock."--Shelf Awareness

"With appealing jacket art, a distinctive setting, and an involving narrative, this inviting book delivers a good story."--Booklist

"McCullough writes with compassion and knowledge as she traces Callie's ups and downs in a new country alongside her burgeoning, awkwardly won knowledge of friendship and self."

--Publishers Weekly

"The intensely awkward self-consciousness of the middle school years is presented with realistic sensitivity and insight. An emotionally perceptive story of awakening compassion for self and others."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Joy McCullough writes books and plays from her home in the Seattle area, where she lives with her husband and two children. She is the author of the middle grade novels Across the Pond, A Field Guide to Getting Lost, Not Starring Zadie Louise, Code Red, and Basil & Dahlia, as well as the middle grade series Team Awkward, and the picture books Harriet's Ruffled Feathers, Champ and Major: First Dogs, and The Story of a Book. Her debut novel Blood Water Paint was longlisted for the National Book Award and was a William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist. Visit her at JoyMcCullough.com.