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Thank you to author Kimberly Willis Holt for writing a companion novel to her wonderful WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN. Zachary Beaver is a character I have always remembered, and this new story honors him well.
Rylee Wilson lives in Antler, Texas. She loves her town. Her family-owned snow cone shop, her history teacher father, and Opalina's Opry House are just a few of the things that make this small Texas town special. When a boy and his mother buy the old house owned by town legend Miss Myrtie Mae, Rylee hopes they will love Antler, too.
Acting as a tour guide for the new neighbor, Joe, Rylee realizes that he isn't impressed by her town. He is from New York City so small town life must seem pretty slow and dull. 9/11 happened just months earlier, and Rylee learns that Joe's father was killed in the disaster. She thinks if she can get him to like Antler, it might take his mind off the tragedy.
One thing does seem to help distract Joe. When he sees a photograph of Zachary Beaver and learns that the sideshow performer was in Antler years ago and was friends with Rylee's dad, he is determined to find out what happened to Zachary. Reuniting the childhood friends turns into a mission for Joe and Rylee.
Author Kimberly Willis Holt deftly weaves together multiple story lines that will have readers remembering Zachary and learning so much more about the characters of Antler both past and present. Older readers will love the return of Zachary and probably encourage new readers to find a copy of his story before or after tackling this latest one.
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