Blue Skies by Anne Bustard
Blue Skies
Ten-year old Glory Bea Bennett believes in miracles. After all, her grandmother—the best matchmaker in the whole county—is responsible for thirty-nine of them so far.
Now, Glory Bea wants a miracle of her own—her daddy’s return.
The war ended three years ago, but Glory Bea’s father never returned from the front in France. Though he was lost on Omaha Beach, deep down in her heart, she believes Daddy is still out there.
When reports that the Texas boxcar from the Merci Train (the “thank you” train)—a train filled with gifts of gratitude from the people of France—will be stopping in Gladiola, Glory Bea just knows daddy will be its surprise cargo.
But miracles, like people, are always changing, until at last they find their way home.
Visit annebustard.com for more information.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Trade Hardcover ISBN: 978-1534446069 Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1534446076
"A heart-warming (and occasionally heart-wrenching) delight of a book..."
- Joy Preble, Brazos Bookstore
“A tender story of grief and the gentle comfort of loved ones."
- Kirkus Reviews
"This is an endearing story that skillfully addresses loss, love, and hope. Weaving together small-town charm and friendly antics, Bustard cleverly integrates a history of the Merci Trains with a young girl's desperate desire to see her father again. ... VERDICT This snapshot of a unique time in American history will inspire young readers and convince them that dreams are worth fighting for."
- Rebecca Redinger, Lincoln Park Branch, Chicago Public Library, School Library Journal
“Blue Skies is perfect for fans of heartfelt middle grade with a twist of humor."
- Rae Ann Parker, Parnassus Books
"Blue Skies is a sensitive portrait of a young girl's struggle to come to terms with loss and disappointment and to open herself to new relationships and new possibilities."
- David Shirley, Parents' Choice
About the Author:
Born in Hawaii, author Anne Bustard is still a beach girl at heart. Growing up, Anne took years of hula lessons and spent many happy hours wearing a facemask and breathing through a snorkel.
Anne loves school. And she has a lot of degrees to prove it. Three came from the University of Texas at Austin (BS, MLIS, PhD). Her most recent one, and she believes her last, is an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
Children’s books have always been central to her life. When she taught in elementary schools and universities, she always used literature. Anne co-owned Toad Hall Children’s Bookstore in Austin, Texas, too. As a bookseller, she loved opening up new boxes of books, telling others about them and running a summer writing program for children.
Anne is the author of several works for young readers including award-winners Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) and Anywhere but Paradise (Lerner).
In Spring 2023, her next middle-grade novel, Far Out (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) will be published.
Anne recently married her college sweetheart and divides her time between Ontario and Texas. Find her at annebustard.com.
