Plot Summary
Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, nicknamed Sal, finds herself uprooted from her Kentucky farm home after the sudden disappearance of her mother. With her grieving father, they move to Euclid, Ohio, to stay with his friend Margaret Cadaver. This unfamiliar town feels far from comforting, especially with the nagging worry about her missing mother.
One summer day, Sal embarks on a road trip with her adventurous grandparents, Gram and Gramps. Their destination: Lewiston, Idaho, to visit her mother's grave. As they travel across the country, Sal weaves a curious tale for her grandparents, a story about her new friend Phoebe Winterbottom.
Phoebe, like Sal, grapples with a missing mother who left home unexpectedly. Sal paints a vivid picture of Phoebe's eccentric personality: bossy, imaginative, and fiercely protective of her younger brother, Ben. She recounts their adventures, like searching for Phoebe's mother in a nearby town and attending a Shakespeare play, where Phoebe's dramatic flair shines through.
Interspersed with Phoebe's story are glimpses into Sal's own life. She remembers her vibrant mother, a gifted storyteller and passionate advocate for social justice. Her mother's sudden departure and subsequent silence leave a gaping hole in their lives. Sal grapples with anger, confusion, and a desperate longing for answers.
The road trip brings unexpected encounters. They meet Minnie Minor, a spirited woman who runs a diner, and her grandson, Sugar, who becomes a temporary companion for Sal. They visit Gramps' childhood home, where stories of his past come alive. Gram and Gramps share their own love story, offering Sal glimpses of hope and resilience.
Meanwhile, Phoebe's story takes a dark turn. Her suspicions about her mother's disappearance lead her and Sal on a risky adventure, searching for clues and confronting danger. Sal's parallel narrative reflects her own yearning for understanding, mirroring Phoebe's quest for answers.
As they reach Idaho, the truth about Sal's mother's disappearance is finally revealed: she perished in a bus accident; the only survivor was Margaret Cadaver. Her mother had gone to visit her cousin in Lewiston, Idaho, after nearly losing her child. Sal is forced to confront difficult realities, and her visit to her mother's grave becomes a moment of both closure and the beginning of healing.
Returning home, Sal carries the lessons learned on the journey. She understands her mother's motivations and choices, even if she doesn't agree with them. She embraces the love and support of her family and friends, finding strength in their presence.
The narrative ends with Sal back in Euclid, still searching for her own path. With newfound clarity and determination, she starts writing her own story, one filled with hope, forgiveness, and the resilience to navigate life's challenges.
