AFTER ZERO by Christina Collins

 

Elise has discovered using words sparingly is the best plan for her. She and her mother live in the same house but rarely communicate. Her mother barely provides what Elise needs physically and even less emotionally. After always being homeschooled, Elise's mother declares she can attend public school. 

Entering school for the first time as an eighth grader isn't easy. It just takes a few days for Elise to realize this is also a place where not talking is best. She even uses a notebook to keep a tally record of how few words she can use in a day.

Elise is growing suspicious of her mother's activities. She realizes that she has never celebrated a birthday. In fact, she didn't even know there was such a thing until she sees her best friend celebrating. Her mother disappears into a shed in the backyard, and she takes off in the car to parts unknown. When Elise confronts her mother, she is told there is nothing to know.

AFTER ZERO by Christina Collins will draw readers in immediately and take them along on Elise's journey to fit in and learn the truth about her past.