Patricia Hermes

Though Sarah knows her mom is very ill, though the grownups say that Mom is really, really ill and even that she is dying, Sarah struggles to believe that all will be well. Sarah, Mom and Dad plan a party for Christmas, and this is how Sarah tells it:

It was definitely the best party we've ever had, and probably the best party I've even been to. There was lots to eat and drink and lots of music and noise, and even the grownups were fun to be with. Then late, right before we were to have dinner, someone suggested that we go out Christmas caroling. Everybody agreed it would be fun, so we got out coats and boots and scarfs. Someone got a song book from the piano, and we all went outside. It was snowing harder, and we went to the end of the street, stopping in the cul-de-sac that faces a group of houses. Mr. Alden began singing. "Oh, holy night. . ." his voice rang out. For the first time since I've known him, he didn't sound at all fake or super-friendly, just real, and he had a beautiful voice.
The rest of us joined in. "The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the . . ."
I looked at Mom and Daddy. Mom was shivering a little, the way she always did in the cold and Daddy had his arm wrapped around her shoulder. They saw me looking at them, and they smiled. Mom made a motion to me to join them, but I just stood watching them, remembering what Daddy had said that morning, remembering what Mom had said, and how I had echoed it in my mind. I wondered if they were thinking it too --"This must be the happiest day of my life."

A vivid, painful believability (recommended)
The bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Hermes, author of this . . . uncompromisingly candid story, makes the reader aware of life's priceless moments and the need for courage. .
Publisher's Weekly

Notable Children's Trade Book

A sensitive, touching account . . .
Instructor Magazine

Winner of:

Hawaii Nene Award
California Young Reader Medal
Iowa Young Reader Medal
Michigan Young Reader medal