Twelve-year-old Stevie attempts to brighten the lives of her cranky grandfather and the residents of his motel by planting a garden in this middle grade novel by National Book Award-winning author Kimberly Willis Holt.

Stevie's world changes drastically when her parents are tragically killed and she is forced to live with her estranged grandfather at his run-down motel. After failed attempts to connect with her grandfather, Stevie befriends the colorful motel tenants and neighbors. Together, they decide to bring some color and life to the motel by planting a flower garden, against Stevie's grandfather's wishes. It will take Stevie's departure before her grandfather realizes just how needed she is by everyone.

Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel explores themes of loss, family, and love, and gets at the heart of what it means to find a place to call home.

A Christy Ottaviano Book

"Endearing and imperfect, Stevie establishes immediate rapport with readers." -Kirkus Reviews

More from Kimberly Willis Holt:
Skinny Brown Dog
Dear Hank Williams
Dinner with the Highbrows
The Water Seeker
Keeper of the Night
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

The Piper Reed series:
Piper Reed, Navy Brat
Piper Reed, Clubhouse Queen
Piper Reed Gets a Job
Piper Reed, Party Planner
Piper Reed, Campfire Girl
Piper Reed, Rodeo Star
Piper Reed, Forever Friend