Tallahassee Higgins

“Out of sight, out of mind.” That’s what Tallahassee Higgins’s mother, Liz, always says about her ex-boyfriends. But now that Tallahassee has been sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Maryland so Liz can start a movie career in California, the words are taking on new meaning.

Aunt Thelma says that Liz is gone for good, but Talley is sure her mother will come for her. So who cares if mean Aunt Thelma hates her, if she’s failing sixth grade, or if the kids at school think she’s a liar? It’s not like she’s staying in Maryland forever.

Unless Aunt Thelma is right and Liz isn’t coming back.

• A Heartbreaking Mother-Daughter Story: Liz is the only family Talley has ever known. But as weeks turn into months with no letters from California, Talley starts to wonder if she's been left behind for good.
• Moving to a New Town: Dropped into a conventional Maryland suburb, Talley must navigate a new school, tricky friendships, and the strict rules of her Aunt Thelma.
• The True Meaning of Family: While waiting for her mom, Talley discovers that family can be found in unexpected places—from a kind uncle to a new best friend, and maybe even a grandmother she never knew she had.
• A Timeless Story of Childhood Resilience: A beloved classic for middle grade readers that explores loneliness, hope, and the strength it takes to find your own way when the person you count on most is gone.