Things Too Huge to Fix by Saying Sorry
Susan Vaught
eBook
(Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Sept. 6, 2016)
CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book Finalist for the Edgar Allan Poe Award ILA Young Adultsâ Choices âA provocative, sensitive, and oh-so-timely read.â âKirkus Reviews (starred review) âAmbitious, thought-provoking, and very readable.â âBooklist (starred review) âVaught brings history to life as she connects the past with the present, showing how acts of violence, betrayal, and courage both color and blend the histories of two families.â âPublishers Weekly (starred review) A mysterious note takes Dani Beans into the secrets of Ole Miss and its dark past in this compelling middle grade novel from the author of Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy.âSooner or later, weâre all gonna be okay.â Thatâs what Daniâs Grandma Beans used to say. But that was before she got Alzheimerâs. Lately, Dani isnât so sure Grandma Beans was right. In fact, she isnât sure of a lot of things, like why Mac Richardson suddenly doesnât want to be her friend, and why Grandma Beans and Avadelle Richardson havenât spoken in decades. Lately, Grandma Beans doesnât make a lot of sense. But when she tells Dani to find a secret key and envelope that sheâs hidden, Dani canât ignore her. So she investigates, with the help of her friend, Indri, and her not-friend, Mac. Their investigation takes them deep into the history of Oxford, Mississippi, and the riots surrounding the desegregation of Ole Miss. The deeper they dig, the more secrets they uncover. Were Grandma Beans and Avadelle at Ole Miss the night of the Meredith Riot? And why would they keep it a secret? The more Dani learns about her grandmaâs past, the more she learns about herself and her own friendshipsâand itâs not all good news. History and present day collide in this mystery that explores how echoes of the past can have profound consequences.