A pitch-perfect story exploring the many meanings of family, Jody J. Little’s tough yet tender debut is perfect for fans of Leslie Connor and Katherine Paterson.

After Pop is sent back to rehab, Jane Pengilly arrives at her newest foster home determined to stick to the straight and narrow and get back to her beloved dad as soon as she can. It’s not the first time they’ve been apart, but Jane’s determined it will be the last.

Twelve days out in the boonies of Three Boulders makes Jane miss Pop more than ever. But as the days go by, she realizes that family is more than who you’re related to—and that a home can be found in the unlikeliest of places.

Mostly the Honest Truth sparkles with a fully realized supporting cast, a safe and supporting setting, and a writer whose ability to imbue her stories with love and hope marks her an author to watch.

One girl determined to get back to her dad. One quirky community that will show her what family truly means.

A Powerful Father-Daughter Bond: Jane and her pop are “matching socks,” a perfect pair. She’ll do anything to get back to him, even if it means keeping a painful secret about how her hand was really burned.
Found Family: From the rule-obsessed Gertie Biggs to the mysterious Old Red, the residents of Three Boulders offer Jane a new sense of belonging she never expected to find.
Navigating Difficult Emotions: A tender and honest look at a child navigating the turbulent emotions of a parent's alcoholism, loneliness, and the true meaning of home.
An Unforgettable Setting: Welcome to Three Boulders, a town with no paved roads, no TVs, and its own set of laws—a place where a home can be found in the most unlikely of circumstances.