Where the Sky Lives - by Margaret Dilloway (Hardcover)

About the Book

Struggling with grief over her uncle's death, twelve-year-old amateur astronomer Tuesday Beals makes a discovery that could save her favorite astronomy spots in Zion National Park from the threat of a new housing development.

Book Synopsis

From the author of Five Things About Ava Andrews comes a new middle grade stand-alone novel with STEM and activism themes, set against the backdrop of beautiful Zion National Park. With the perfect blend of humor and heart, this poignant story about family, grief, and changes beyond our control is perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead, Meg Medina, and Lynne Kelly.

When life doesn't make sense, twelve-year-old amateur astronomer Tuesday Beals has always looked to the stars above Zion National Park, where she lives. Her beloved late uncle Ezra taught her astronomy, but now their special stargazing sites are all she has left of him, along with his ashes and a poem that may be a riddle.

Then a new housing development next door threatens to ruin the night skies and her favorite astronomy spots. Desperate to focus on something besides the growing uncle-sized chasm between her and her mother, the park archeologist, Tuesday takes up photography with her best friend, Carter, after they find an abandoned camera. With this new way of seeing the universe, she tries to solve her uncle's riddle to save the land.

But one day, a photo reveals clues about an endangered animal--one that could halt construction. Will the discovery be enough to save the park and keep the rest of her world from falling apart?

Review Quotes

Praise for FIVE THINGS ABOUT AVA ANDREWS: "Successfully explores the complexities of chronic illness mixed with mental illness ... a heartwarming story about a community discovering activism." - Kirkus Reviews
PRAISE FOR FIVE THINGS ABOUT AVA ANDREWS: "Alongside a sensitive portrayal of Ava's invisible disabilities, well-wrought subplots, such as problems with an unkind classmate and the growing distance between two once-close friends, support the journey of Dilloway's thoughtful protagonist from timid observer to well-liked social activist." - Publishers Weekly
Praise for FIVE THINGS ABOUT AVA ANDREWS: "An excellent selection for book clubs for children, read-together picks, and for anyone who enjoys a good underdog story." - ALA Booklist
Praise for FIVE THINGS ABOUT AVA ANDREWS: "Dilloway covers a lot of ground including social justice, mental health, physical ability, and prejudice, but all the while the narrative is hopeful and encouraging.... Ideal for book clubs and discussions." - School Library Journal
Praise for SUMMER OF A THOUSAND PIES: "Inspiring and hopeful.... [a] tender coming-of-age story, perfect for fans for Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Ali Benjamin." - ALA Booklist
Praise for SUMMER OF A THOUSAND PIES: "Evok[ing] the warmth of home, newfound security, and friendship, Dilloway effectively contrasts Cady's old life with her new one while examining her muddled emotions.... Those who share the protagonist's passion for the culinary arts will delight in the easy-to-follow pie recipes following the story's gratifying conclusion." - Publishers Weekly
"Readers will feel like Tuesday's trusted confidante as she delves into the park's beauty, adventures, and secrets in this bighearted and leisurely paced novel." - Publishers Weekly
"A gentle novel -especially suited to students interested in the environment, careers in conservation, or the national parks." - School Library Journal
"A call to action and for acceptance wrapped in a love letter to a national park." - Kirkus Reviews
"Dilloway paints an intimate and affectionate portrait of the park in this stirring story that gracefully explores the complexity of grief, inevitability of change, and beauty of perseverance and love." - Booklist
Praise for SUMMER OF A THOUSAND PIES: "Fans of Anne of Green Gables will find a satisfying story and another heroine to cheer on.... Sweet as pie." - Kirkus Reviews
Praise for SUMMER OF A THOUSAND PIES: "Memorable characters and strong writing make this more than just a book about pie." - School Library Journal
"I have a new favorite character in Tuesday Beals, who faces changes in her family, friendships, and home with strength and humor. While navigating through loss and grief, Tuesday keeps fighting to protect what's most important. Where the Stars Live is a captivating, memorable story and a hopeful reminder that small actions make a big difference." - Lynne Kelly, award-winning author of Song For a Whale
"Beautifully written, Where the Sky Lives is a tender exploration of grief, loss, and change. Dilloway clearly knows Zion National Park inside and out. She paints such stunning imagery with her words, that readers will feel as though they've experienced all the beauty, majesty, and wonders of Zion firsthand" - Dusti Bowling, author of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
"Genuine friendship and a mysterious adventure joined with a compassionately crafted exploration of grief and the journey of resilience gives this story its heart. Protagonist Tuesday Beals' star shines bright through her strength and perseverance as she ventures to find meaning after loss in this inspiring and hopeful tale." - Melissa Savage, author of Lemons