Mortimer Bray is not going to let his anxiety stop him from fighting against what's happening to his neighborhood in Chris Negron's third heartfelt middle grade, perfect for fans of “Take Back the Block” and “Brave Like That”.
Mortimer Bray is not okay.
It seems like everything is his life is changing for the worse. After his own much-loved dog dies, he can't bring himself to carry on with his dog-walking business; there's a strange new girl who's moved into the house next door; and suddenly there's a buzzing feeling of anxiety in his head and heart when he's faced with something new.
His neighborhood, Townsend Heights, used to feel like the most comfortable place in the world. But lately, it seems like everyone is arguing, and there's uncertainty around every corner.
There's something going on, and it has to do with the empty lot in the middle of town. There's a history to this lot, and Mortimer doesn't know it—but he wants to.
Mortimer can't save Townsend Heights on his own. But when it comes to community, you're never truly on your own—not as long as you're willing to learn from the past, in order to do better in the future.
