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Amy and Laura are excited: after almost a year, their mother will be coming home from the hospital! But things are not the same, their mother is in a wheelchair, and their father has forbidden them from saying or doing anything that might upset her. To make matters worse, Amy's teacher "hates" her, and the school bully has set her sights on Laura!

I enjoy stories about children that are truly about how they act, and feel, and Marilyn Sachs is an author who captures what it is like to be an adolescent. Enjoyable read. ( )

WARNING: Contains Spoilers

Amy and Laura are siblings whose mother has been in hospital for many weeks due to a car accident. Her Christian name is Hannah and she returns home different, more protective, grey, large and in a wheelchair. Amy's teacher Mrs. Malucci appears to be exceeding harsh but it is later revealed she only gives Amy extra work and such because she recognises her as a brilliant student. Laura becomes a monitor and is a naturally bright child anyhow but she almost gets by a Veronica Ganz in a scene which is truly frightening and well written.