First published 1997
In the dead of winter, the villagers of Brightwood struggle against a relentless cold that won't let up. Young Jackie, an awkward outcast, can't keep up with the other children as they skate and play. But when a crucial pipe bursts, Jackie's clumsiness inadvertently saves the day, melting the ice and restoring warmth to the town. In this bittersweet fable, Hoffman weaves a story of community, resilience, and the power of the most unlikely heroes.
Genres: fiction, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: Brightwood
Period: dead-of-winter
54 pages · Paperback · Scholastic