In this moving middle grade debut, perfect for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Lynda Mullaly Hunt, a boy finds unexpected friendship in a motley crew of kids after a devastating loss.

Nothing has been the same since Lucas’s older brother died. After the accident, Lucas’s mom disappeared without a word and his dad is struggling to cope. Lucas is practically on his own, except for the other kids he meets in his junior high after-care program.

There’s Cat, the star athlete; Robbie, the goofball; Anna, the popular girl; and Finn, the mysterious new kid. Between games of sardines—reverse hide-and-seek—the kids realize each member of the group has a secret wish. If they work together, the group might be able to help make each person’s dream come true. But for that to happen, Lucas will have to find the strength to trust his new friends with his family’s secrets.