Hold Fast

About this book

From bestselling author Blue Balliett, the story of a girl who falls into Chicago's shelter system.

Where is Early's father? He's not the kind of father who you think would disappear. But he's gone. And he's left a whole lot of trouble behind.

It's not enough that Early can't find out what's happened to him. His vanishing leads to Early and her mom and her brother being kicked out of their apartment. Having nowhere else to go, they move into Chicago's shelter system. And from there, Early must start getting answers to her questions.

Because Early's father hasn't disappeared without a trace. There ARE traces. And Early's going to use them to track her father down... and make her way out of a very tough place.

Reviews

Praise for CHASING VERMEER:

"Balliett is an original . . . Thick with devilish red herrings, this smart, playful story never stops challenging (and exhilarating) the audience." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Puzzles, codes, letters, number and wordplay, a bit of danger, a vivid sense of place, and a wealth of quirky characters enrich the exciting, fast-paced story that's sure to be relished by mystery lovers." -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Praise for THE WRIGHT 3:

*"Another tour de force." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

Praise for HOLD FAST:

"[Blue Balliett's] latest and most heart-rending novel . . . [The] multi-faceted Early Pearl, ever observant and always pondering, shines as bright as any diamond." -- NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

*"Wonderful . . . will pierce all readers" -- BOOKLIST, starred review

*"A moving story of homelessness, family, and the love of words and books . . . Enthralling and satisfying." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

*"Balliett paints a vivid picture, a literary composition reminiscent of an Impressionist painting . . . Excellent." -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review

"This novel abounds in heart, shining a spotlight on the gritty truths about homelessness." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"Vivid and compelling." -- BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS

A 2013 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner

Extras

Discussion Guide: Novels of Blue Balliet