Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco

This is enchanting story of a young girl who has grown up without parents.  She lives with the circus and Pauline watches over her and uses her help selling hot dogs.  She has learned to live with the bright birthmark on her face by covering it with her hair and being careful about what side she offers to the public.  Bee thought Pauline would always be there but no.

A A Knopf sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

While there is a trace of sadness in Bee from the loss of her parents and then Pauline, she still has enough confidence in herself for self-preservation.  She escapes the circus and goes on the hunt for the "forever" home she wanted to live in with Pauline.  Eventually she does find the perfect home.  What she doesn't realize is that the ladies within the house are ghosts. 

I loved how Ms. Fusco presented the ghosts and how Bee draws strength from them to stand up to the authorities.  Bee goes to school, shops for supplies, cooks and cleans and visits with her aunts.  Life is good, but there is still change ahead.

This story has the feel of time in the past and it kept me glued to the pages.  I really felt for Bee and was anxious about how the author would end the story.  I bet you'll be wondering too.  Bee has not had an easy life.

Happy reading.