Booklist: “Avi is one of our most versatile and prolific children's writers. He never does the same thing twice, always experimenting with form and theme and setting, from thriller and realistic fiction to radio play and graphic novel. This small, beautiful historical novel has a timeless simplicity. It's the best thing he's done. Like MacLachlan's Sarah, Plain and Tall (1985), the story reaches from home to the universe.”

Awards and Honors

ALA Notable, 1995
IRA Teacher's Choice, 1995
Bank Street Children's Books of the year, "outstanding," 1994
Starred, focus Review, Booklist, 1994
American Bookseller, Pick of the Lists, 1994
New York Public Library, Best Books of the Year, 1994
Booklist, Best Books of the year, 1994
Editor's Choice, Booklist, 1994
CCBC Choice, 1994
VOYA, Outstanding Book, 1994
ABC Children's Booksellers' Choice, 1995