Tell Me

In Joan Bauer's "Tell Me," twelve-year-old Anna arrives in the quiet town of Rosemont to stay with her grandmother, Mim, hoping to escape the stress of her parents' struggling marriage. While preparing for the town's annual Flower Festival, Anna witnesses a girl her age who appears to be held against her will. Driven by a strong sense of justice and empathy, Anna embarks on an investigation, facing skepticism but refusing to give up. This novel skillfully blends a suspenseful mystery with a poignant coming-of-age story, exploring themes of family, courage, and the importance of speaking up.

Award-winning author Joan Bauer latest novel is full of warmth, humor, hope, and a healthy dose of suspense The unofficial town motto is "Nothing bad ever happens in Rosemont" where twelve-year-old Anna has come to stay with her grandmother, Mim, hoping to forget her worries about her parents' troubled marriage. She'll be busy with the town's annual Flower Festival, a celebration with floats and bands that requires weeks of preparations. But before long, Anna finds herself involved in a very big problem. When she observes a girl her own age who seems to be being held against her will, Anna can't forget the girl's frightened eyes and she is determined to investigate. "When you see something, say something" she's been told—but what good does it do to speak if no one will listen? Luckily, a take-charge girl like Anna is not going to give up. Told with Joan Bauer's trademark mixture of humor and heart, Tell Me will enthrall her many fans and win her new ones. “Bauer establishes a multi-faceted plot combining crime drama with a modern coming-of-age story.”—School Library Journal “Skillfully weaves subplots together as Rosemont citizens (and Anna’s parents) rise to the challenge of solving the mystery.”—Publishers Weekly