A Place Called Ugly

In 'A Place Called Ugly,' fourteen-year-old Owen is fiercely attached to his family's summer cottage, a place he sees as beautiful despite others' dismissive views. When the cottage is scheduled for demolition to make way for a modern hotel, Owen decides to stay behind alone, defying his family and the developers. This chapter book explores themes of environmental preservation, the emotional connection to places, and the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe in, even when you're the only one.

There's no reasoning with Owen.The island cottage where he and his family have spent the last ten summers "must" be preserved. And he's going to do it. Never mind that bulldozer stands outside, ready to move in and level the place for a modern hotel. Never mind that summer's over and Owen's family is hurrying to catch the last ferry -- or that school is starting -- or that "nobody" sees it his way. Alone, fourteen-year-old Owen is going to stay and save the beautiful place others call ugly.