Queenie in Seven Moves - by Zanni Louise (Hardcover)

About the Book

"To Queenie, home is Peachy, the little peach-walled house she's lived in forever, all art deco and flaky paint. Always a provider of solace. But when she and her mom have to move out, suddenly one temporary move follows another, from a retirement village to a flood-prone old camper van to a shared home, sometimes with just her father's guitar under her arm and some budding lyrics in her head. Along the way, the change-resistant Queenie discovers that home isn't a place at all--it's making new friends and reconnecting with old ones, letting yourself be uncomfortable, and finding the courage to share your song with the world."--

Book Synopsis

Amid the uncertainty of not having a permanent home, twelve-year-old Queenie finds unforeseen friendship--and unexpected confidence--in this warm, sensitive story addressing loss and belonging.

To Queenie, home is Peachy, the little peach-walled house she's lived in forever, all art deco and flaky paint. Always a provider of solace. But when she and her mom have to move out, suddenly one temporary move follows another, from a retirement village to a flood-prone old camper van to a shared home, sometimes with just her father's guitar under her arm and some budding lyrics in her head. Along the way, the change-resistant Queenie discovers that home isn't a place at all--it's making new friends and reconnecting with old ones, letting yourself be uncomfortable, and finding the courage to share your song with the world. With insight, honesty, and gentle humor, Zanni Louise's timely novel touches on the experience of housing insecurity as it introduces a relatable protagonist who readers will want to follow wherever she goes.

Review Quotes

The mother-daughter bond and other relationships forged through Queenie's moves are winning elements in this heartfelt story of silver linings. Charming and uplifting, and a touching example of perseverance during uncertain times.
--Kirkus Reviews

Well-paced with an excellent voice and a gorgeous Australian settting, Queenie's story is universally relatable--and bound to resonate with anyone who has struggled with change.
--Booklist

With insight, honesty, and gentle humor, Zanni Louise's timely novel touches on the experience of housing insecurity as it introduces a relatable protagonist who readers will want to follow wherever she goes.
--School Library Journal

The engaging, fast-moving story takes readers inside a not-uncommon experience of homelessness (one shared by Louise, as explained in the acknowledgments) without didacticism. . . . The happy ending is satisfying and realistic, offering hope without minimizing a broad social problem.
--The Horn Book

About the Author

Zanni Louise is the author of several books for children, including picture books, middle-grade novels, early readers, and chapter and picture book series. She is passionate about writing and inspiring others to write their own stories. She lives in Australia.