Found Things by Marilyn Hilton

Ever since Theron left home and hasn't returned, River has talked in odd way.  Her sentences are almost backwards and her tone has changed.  That's not all that has changed in River.

Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published July 15th, so you don't have long to wait to get a copy.

This story was different from most out there now.  It has the feel of being set in the 1950's when family life and values were viewed differently.  River knows her family is not telling her everything.  She is aware she's been adopted, but they won't talk about her mother.  When Theron gets in trouble again and her father sends him away, she's heartbroken.  He was her strength and now he's gone.

While she's mourning his absence, she gets bullied at school by Daniel.  She tries to ignore him, but it's hard.  He ruins her collage she was going to give her mother by getting black paint on it.  The only saving grace is a new girl in class that becomes her friend.  She shows her friend the treasures she finds at the river's edge.    Her friend teaches her how to set wishes free in the river.  They decide to use one on Daniel.  When he gets ill and goes in the hospital, River has to run down and set another wish free that he will get well!

River's past is tied to the river itself and the little girl who has become her friend and moved into the house, too, is almost like a guardian angel.  She helps River get over her anger and admit she misses her brother dreadfully.  She helps River's mother get over her grief at losing her son.  And when the truth comes out, she's there to help everyone deal with it.

I was pleased to see the truth rise to the top and the family become reunited even stronger than before.  When the other little girl goes on to another place she's needed, it seems just the right ending.  Sometimes we all need someone to help straighten us out and get us back on track again.