Dear Student

1

Six Postcards Ago

I thought making Dad s famous cheese eggs in our temporary home could make my life feel like it did before he left six postcards ago. Like cheese eggs for breakfast on my first day at Hillview Middle School could make everything feel normal.

But I was wrong. Nothing feels normal.

This morning, Dad video called. Another not-­normal thing. I dragged my beanbag over to my computer. He looked like Dad, but not really. He was supertan and his usual short brown Dad-­hair was in a ponytail.

I thought he called because he missed me. Because he wanted to wish me luck in sixth grade. But really it was about seizing the day. He had on his no-­kidding face. The same one he had on the day he told me he was joining the Peace Corps. He said he felt this was something he had to do. Something he d always talked about doing and was finally brave enough to do. Mom said she supported him. But I m not a hundred percent sure that s still true. Sometimes I hear her crying in her room late at night.

Autumn, this year I want you to get involved in one thing at school, he said.

I stared at my dad. Are you seriously parenting me from halfway around the world on my first day of school?

Just one thing, he repeated.

You don t get to do this. You left. Remember?

No matter where I live, I m still your dad.

Dads don t leave, I said, staring at the cheese eggs I wasn t eating.

This is temporary, he said, like that makes it better.

I was quiet for a bit. Then I asked, Why do I have to do one thing? I m not you. You made your choice. Your one thing. And it wasn t us.

He sighed. Loudly.

It wasn t me.

I love you, Autumn. I told you leaving was never about you or Pickle or Mom. It was about finding the courage to do something that can make a real difference in the world.

I didn t say anything.

Because what

Elly Swartz grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania. She studied psychology at Boston University and received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Elly lives in Massachusetts and is happily married with two grown sons, a beagle named Lucy, and a pup named Baxter Bean. Finding Perfect, called "a clear, moving portrayal of obsessive-compulsive disorder" by Publishers Weekly, was her debut novel. She is also the author of Smart Cookie and Give and Take.

Praise for Dear Student:

"Tweens won t be able to put down this heartfelt story with a fresh plot, vibrant characters, and even a recipe for whoopie pies." Parents magazine

"A heartfelt story about finding the courage to stand up for your beliefs even when you d rather remain invisible." Kirkus Review

"A heartfelt, authentic book about friendship, courage, and honesty. It s about finding and more importantly, owning your own voice. LYNDA MULLALY HUNT, New York Times bestselling author of Fish in a Tree

A story that shines with honesty and heart. PADMA VENKATRAMAN, Walter Award winning author of The Bridge
 
Dear Student will resonate with readers who know that feelings and friendships can be complicated, and they will root for Autumn as she searches for her true superpower. DIANE DEBROVNER, deputy editor of Parents magazine