Finding Grace Read online

  The pajama party in the tent in Louise’s backyard (I was SCARED STIFF when the boys raided us).

  The Egyptian hair removal gunk that DIDN’T WORK.

  FINALLY seeing Fred with the missing ear up close, which was very interesting, but not amazing.

  I have made a friend in grade six and her name is Mary. I told her about us and she said it is just like something in a book!!!! So far we have had two overnights, one at her place and one at mine.

  Mr. Pinn took me out for a float. He asked my permission to ask Mom to marry him!!!! He said he fell for her like a ton of bricks when he saw her at Granny’s service. I told him that it is okay by me. Mom said yes. The wedding will be next summer. Mom wants you and me to be her bridesmaids.

  Mr. Pinn helped me paint Granny’s bedroom sunshine yellow. I have a brand new bed, so now I have a bedroom!

  Guess what? Mom got a job at a florist shop. Mr. Pinn goes around all the time saying, “Flora sells flowers at a florist shop,” which was funny the first time, but is now annoying.

  Say hi to Louise and Janey! Tell Aunty Eve thank you for inviting us for Thanksgiving. We can’t wait!!

  Your sister,

  Hope

  I stick the letter in an envelope, and get a stamp from Granny’s desk. I write Grace’s address on it, and put a heart in each corner. I can’t believe it! I’m finally sending a real letter to my best friend. I race all the way to the mailbox.

  Acknowledgments

  I would like to give a huge thanks to Bev Kennedy, who shared her wonderful memories of growing up in Harrison Hot Springs, and to Judy Pickard who made me feel so welcome at the Agassiz-Harrison Museum. It was a pleasure working with the terrific staff at Second Story Press. A heartfelt thank you to my editor, Gena Gorrell, whose attention to the important details made the story so much better.

  About the Author

  Becky Citra is a former teacher and the author of nineteen books for children. She lives on a ranch in British Columbia where she loves to ride horses, hike, snowshoe, and cross-country ski.