It's Only Temporary

Available June 12, 2008! Pre-order now from Amazon.com

Twelve-year-old Skye McPhee has been banished. At least that’s what it feels like after her older brother nearly kills himself in a car accident and needs the full-time care of their parents.

To make life "easier" for everyone, Skye is shipped off from Albuquerque, New Mexico to her Gran’s in Sierra Madre, California. But it’s only temporary, Skye assures herself in her precious--and secret--sketchbook.

But then this new life in California begins to draw her in. Art class, new friends, even staying with her Gran isn’t so bad. And who would’ve thought that being away from her brother would bring them closer together? But just as she’s beginning to feel less temporary and more real, a group of kids threatens to take away her newfound happiness.

Filled with illustrations by the author, It's Only Temporary channels the creative mind of a very permanent girl.

Here are some pictures from It's Only Temporary (click for larger versions)

From the back cover

"You really let me down," Ms. O’Hare said. "This escapade makes me look bad, do you realize that? And the art department is on thin ice around herer already."

The art activities kids shifted back and forth, scared that one of them was going to say something about what they’d done, or about why they wanted to get revenge--or that no one would say anything. Skye didn’t know what would be worse.

"Now, I know whose drawings these are," Ms. O’Hare continued gravely. "But I’d like that person to step forward and take full responsibility."

Frozen where she stood, Skye suddenly heard the sound of her beating heart echo in her ears. Did this mean she was about to faint? She cleared her throat. I--"

"Warner is one of the most emotionally honest authors of adolescent fiction writing today."

Children’s Literature review of A Long Time Ago Today