Once for Yes

Ages 8 to 12

The Odenburgh is an old red brick apartment building, the last of its kind in a swiftly gentrifying neighborhood. One of its tenants, the Laroe family, has suffered an unspeakable tragedy; the youngest sister, 11-year-old Prue, struggles to come to terms with the loss of her sister, Lina.

But when the Odenburgh is sold and slated for demolition, Prue can’t bear the idea of losing the place where her sister remains such a presence. Prue launches a campaign to save the building, throwing herself into drawing up a petition and gathering signatures from the other tenants. In the process, she meets Lewis, an eccentric boy who lives directly across the street – and the only person who can help Prue discover the missing elements of her sister’s story. The building itself, as well as Lewis and the other tenants, help Prue to accept that she can move on without leaving her sister behind.

Heartfelt and bursting with the healing power that community can offer, Once for Yes is a testament to the importance of memory and the endurance of love.

About the Author

Allie Millington’s debut middle-grade novel, Olivetti, was an Indies Introduce selection, and a USA Today and Indies besteller. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and their fluffy dog, Crumpet. You can frequently find her doodling in her writing shed, or foraging in the woods. You can find her on Instagram: @alliemillington or online at www.alliemillington.com