Also known as Harper

These days, a kid's book with a character who has a mom and dad and a sibling or two where everyone is functional and getting along and pretty happy...does anyone even write books like that? (Of course, some might say it's because there are no families like that.) Also Known as Harper has a main character, Harper, with lots of problems. Dad has gone. Just like that. Her brother, Hemingway (see what inspires Mom?) waits for Dad every day to return. Mom is having trouble paying rent and keeping her job. Harper is missing school even though she wants desperately to enter the poetry writing contest. Lots of troubles.

It's Harper's writing that keeps her going and introduces her to people who can help her along, too.