Crossing the Tracks

Crossing the Tracks
By Barbara Stuber
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2010. 258 pgs. Young Adult

Ever since her mother’s death, Iris' father barely gives her a thought. So Iris is quite surprised when her father announces that, instead of going with him to open his new store in Kansas City, she is headed to the home of Dr. Nesbitt in another town to be his housekeeper and companion to his elderly mother. Iris quickly settles into a good routine with the Nesbitts and discovers a sense of family she has not had with her father. But Iris struggles with her feelings towards her father and toward another father and daughter who live down the road, who clearly have issues of their own. A delightful novel, filled with lovable characters possessing great depth and feeling. This quiet, thoughtful read also reminds us that family is not always your flesh and blood, but people who truly care about you.

MN