First published 1971
In the small town of Chichipica, a young protagonist discovers that even quiet places hold unexpected adventures. The story follows their experiences as they navigate the rhythms of small-town life, where familiar faces hide surprising depths and ordinary days can turn extraordinary without warning. Through encounters with neighbors, family, and friends, the protagonist learns that home contains more mysteries and possibilities than they ever imagined. Kalnay captures the particular magic of childhood in a close-knit community, where every street corner holds a story and every resident plays a part in shaping who you become. The narrative explores how place and people intertwine to create the foundation of identity, showing that the most important journeys often happen within the boundaries of the world you already know.
Genres: family-life, coming-of-age, contemporary, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: Chichipica
Period: 21st-century
127 pages · Hardcover · Harcourt Brace Jovanovich