Missing Okalee
Description
When compared to her nearly perfect little sister, Phoebe Paz Petersen feels she doesn't measure up in her parents' eyes. Okalee is smart and beloved for her sunny disposition, which makes it hard for Phoebe to stand out in their small town in Montana. But if she can get picked for the coveted solo in the school choir, she'll stop being a middle-school nobody and finally get her chance to shine.
Despite her sister's annoying perfection, Phoebe actually loves spending time with Okalee. They have one very special, secret tradition: River Day--when they hold hands and make their way across the cold, rushing Grayling River, to celebrate the first hint of spring. This year's River Day crossing, however, goes horribly wrong, and Phoebe's world is suddenly turned upside down.
Heartbroken and facing life without Okalee, Phoebe is more determined than ever to sing the solo in the school concert as a way of speaking to her sister one last time. But Phoebe's so traumatized by what happened, she's lost her beautiful singing voice.
Kat Waters wants the choir solo for herself and is spreading a terrible rumor about what really happened to Okalee on River Day. If Phoebe tells the truth, she believes her family will never forgive her and she may never get to sing her goodbye to Okalee. Even worse, somebody is leaving Phoebe anonymous notes telling her they saw what really happened at the river.
Missing Okalee is an empathy-building novel about the unbreakable bond between sisters and finding the courage to do what's right amid heartbreak and tragedy.Product Details
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About the Author
Reviews
novels with heart, this is a solid addition to any collection."-- "Booklist"
"Gorgeous, heartbreaking novel. Phoebe has a strong community and receives the support she desperately needs from her best friend and his family, and she gets help processing her grief and guilt through sessions with her school counselor, ending the book on a resilient note. Resonant novel."-- "School Library Journal"
"Melchor will lead readers to an understanding of family relationships, missed opportunities and the drama that many middle school students deal with every day."-- "Children's Literature Reviews"
2023 nominee-- "Nevada Young Readers Award"