"Gently, deliberately paced. Luna's first-person tale provides a fresh look at mental disabilities and the additional burden of negative attitudes. . . A quiet coming-of-age tale with heart . . ." - Kirkus "Delivers a positive message about standing up for those who cannot advocate for themselves." - Booklist What does it mean to lay down your life? Luna has learned a lot in her thirteen years-how to skin a rabbit, how to gut a fish, where to pick the perfect wildflowers-but it's not enough. When her best friend, Mason, dies, Luna leaves her large family and moves in with Mason's mentally disabled mother, Ruby Day. Caring for her takes a bit more leaning and a lot more patience, but eventually they come to a backwards parenting relationship, working out the glitches and growing closer day by day, as they help one another grieve for Mason. Until the arrival of a conniving aunt who wants Ruby locked away in a mental institution. How can a thirteen-year-old girl stand up to Ruby Day's aunt? What would Mason want her to do? And why is saying good-bye so difficult?

Author Biography

Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright's Pond Series, and the middle grade novel, Carrying Mason. She is a frequent conference speaker and writing instructor. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.