First published 2008
Clementine receives shocking news. Her favorite teacher, Mr. D'Matz, is leaving for Egypt on a research expedition that will keep him away for months. No other adult has ever gotten her like he does. He understands why she draws all the time, why she gets restless and needs to move, why sitting still feels impossible some days. The substitute teacher arrives with different rules that make no sense to Clementine. She watches her classmates adapt while she struggles to fit into this new system. Mr. D'Matz's empty desk reminds her daily of what she has lost. Desperate to restore her world to normal, Clementine hatches a plan to bring him back. She knows her scheme might destroy his dream opportunity to travel and conduct research. The trip could be his only chance to visit Egypt and advance his career. But Clementine needs him more than Egypt does. Her plan takes shape as she weighs her own needs against his dreams.
Genres: fiction, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Egypt
160 pages · Hardcover · Hyperion Book CH