Hold Fast

Hold Fast, written by Blue Balliett, is the story of a family ripped apart by mysterious circumstances.  Early, an 11 year old girl, has a very close knit family.  They are saving all the money they earn so they can buy a house in the suburbs of Chicago.  Early’s dad takes an extra job that seems innocent enough, sorting old books, until he disappears and Early’s apartment is trashed by thugs.  Early and her mom and little brother lose everything and end up in a homeless shelter. The book details their experience in the homeless shelter as Early tries to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.  I like that this book portrays a smart, confident biracial girl who doesn’t give up in proving her father’s innocence despite a difficult situation.