PRAISE FOR BOOK 1: "Two sets of friends, separated by 50 years, are the heart of an engrossing ­historical fiction and mystery tale [that] seamlessly integrates the history of the modern women's rights movement into the character-driven narrative. Master storyteller Haddix is in top form, weaving a complex tapestry of different genres, time lines, and generations of characters in a can't-put-it-down novel. VERDICT A winning start to a new series and a first purchase for all middle grade collections." -- School Library Journal (starred review) "Two 12-year-olds from rival small-town Ohio junk-removal families bond over a historical mystery in this accomplished series starter by Haddix. Brief third-person chapters alternate, building momentum through a gently feminist undercurrent while conferring character depth via affection for the letter writers and their opposing views on objects from the past." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Haddix writes with her usual smooth skill in this series opener, weaving in an interesting theme about possessions and what they mean to different people. The characters are real and inviting, and the emotions ring true. Fast-paced and enjoyable.

" -- Kirkus Reviews.