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About The Book

Leah Hoffman-Ross just moved to New York and she wants her new friends to think she's a typical thirteen-year-old. But Leah has a secret: She doesn't have a father; she has a donor. Before Leah was born, her mother went to Lyon's Reproductive Services and picked Donor 730. Now Leah has a stepfather and a little brother, and her mom thinks that they should be all the family Leah needs.

Despite her attempts to fit in and be normal, Leah can't help but feel like something is missing. When she finds the link to the Lyon's Sibling Registry, Leah has to see if she has any half siblings. And when she discovers that one of the other kids from Donor 730 is a girl her age, Leah will do anything to meet her -- even if she has to hide it from everybody else.

Debut author Courtney Sheinmel puts a contemporary spin on a timeless question in this heartfelt novel about what makes a family.

About The Author

Photograph © Joel Sheinmel

Courtney Sheinmel is the author of over a dozen books for kids and teens. She lives in New York City.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (October 21, 2008)
  • Length: 208 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416986225
  • Grades: 3 - 7
  • Ages: 9 - 12
  • Lexile ® HL680 The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Raves and Reviews

"A thought-provoking and compelling debut, challenging readers to consider, 'What makes a family?'" -- Cynthia Lord, author of Rules

"This story rocks -- it's warm, insightful, and utterly un-put-down-able." -- Lauren Myracle, author of ttyl

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More books from this author: Courtney Sheinmel