The Places We Sleep

A stunning debut novel in verse about a family divided, a country going to war, and a girl desperate to feel at home.

It's early September 2001, and twelve-year-old Abbey is the new kid at school. Again.

I worry about people speaking to me / and worry just the same / when they don't.

Tennessee is her family's latest stop in a series of moves based on her dad's work in the Army, but this one might be different. Her school is far from Base, and for the first time, Abbey has found a real friend: loyal, courageous, athletic Camille.

And then it's September 11, 2001. The country is under attack, and Abbey's first period arrives.

Like a punch to the gut / like a shove in the girls' room / like a name I won't repeat.

Abbey's family falters in the aftermath of the attacks. With her mother grieving, and her father preparing for active duty, Abbey must cope with the tragedy - and her body's betrayal - on her own.

Written in gorgeous narrative verse, Abbey's coming-of-age story portrays the military family experience during a tumultuous period in American history. Perfect for fans of sensitive, tender-hearted books like The Thing About Jellyfish.