When the hugging and crying and laughing finally stopped, Red sat next to Celine on a hay bale, unwilling to break away for even a moment. She looked around the barn at the people and dogs and kittens and tortoise, and wanted to laugh and cry all over again. Marvin’s grandfather picked up his ‘ukulele and started strumming a song. Marvin and Tūtū played with the kittens, dangling one of Marvin’s shoelaces in front of them.
“Can I tell you something else I want?” Red whispered to Celine.
Celine tucked Red’s hair behind her ear. “Of course.”
Red picked up the petition to adopt. It felt heavier than paper in her hands. It felt like hope. Like the beginning of something better. But there was still one more thing she needed to let go.
“I think, from now on, I want to go by my real name. Ruby.”
Celine’s smile was brighter than all the stars in the universe. “You’ve always been more of a Ruby to me, anyway,” she said.
Celine pulled her in for another hug. Ruby snuggled close and tight. Celine’s breath tickled her cheek, like the whisper of star-music.
Ruby smiled as something warm and gentle swirled around her heart. It was a breeze brimming with new promise.
She hoped this time it was here to stay.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There was a time when publishing a book seemed impossible to me, and had I been alone on this journey, it would have been. Thankfully, there have been many, many people along the way who’ve helped give this book—and my dreams—life.
First, my parents. Mom, Dad, you taught me how to dream in the first place, and never even suggested I major in something practical that had more potential to pay the bills than Creative Writing. Thank you for believing in me, for loving me so fiercely, and for instilling a love of storytelling in me through generous trees, little houses on big prairies, and of course, dragons. I love you, infinity plus one.
This story was inspired by my aunt, uncle, and cousin—but my entire family has left their mark on both this book and my heart. To all of you in the Padgett, Lackey, and Olson clans: I hope you spot some of the little familial “Easter eggs” I’ve hidden in these pages! And I hope you know how much I love you.
My life would be poorer indeed without the support of some amazing teachers over the years. Mrs. Bell, my second grade teacher, and the first person outside of my family to call me a writer. Faye Padgett (aka Nana), Joann Berrian, Rose Dunphey, Jennifer Maier, Debra Dean, and Luke Reinsma—you all challenged and empowered me with your passion and your exacting expectations. Thank you.
Critique Partners Extraordinaire, Laurel Klein and Cora Martin—you put the Super in Sloth, and I could not have done this without you. “Thank you” doesn’t go far enough, but nonetheless—thank you.
A whole host of relationships have shaped this story, as well. From conversations about everything from cancer to goat behavior, Star Wars viewings to social media guidance, hundreds of cups of (decaf!) coffee, early reads and cover reveals, and countless texts and gifs, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to: Christopher Aaby, Christine and Omair Akhtar, Amanda Annis, Shawna Avanessian, Danielle Behr, Courtney Carbone, Amy Dufault, Donna and Lonnie Funk, Sophia Funk, Alyssa Hollingsworth, Tracey and Shawn Hurley, Gary Jansen, Katrina Lackey, Stacey Lee, Aimee Lucido, Steve Martyn, Betsy and Brandon Neale, Kevin Neuner, Renee Nyen, Kate O’Shaughnessy, Danielle Parish, Parker Peevyhouse, Lisa Ramée, Lisa Raulie, Stephanie Richard, Karalee Sartin, John Schumacher, Jenny Stafford, Anne-Marie Strohman, Noah Tatro, Jen Wilson, and Kristi Wright.
Catherine Toth Fox, thank you for your invaluable insights into Hawaiian culture, and for your generous support along the way. Katherine Applegate, whose kindness in word and deed has meant more than I can express. Also thanks to Middle Grade Lunch Break (KidLitCraft.com), Novel Nineteens, Kepler’s Books, Hicklebee’s Children’s Bookstore, Sparkles and Lace Boutique (you know you deserve to be mentioned!), and SCBWI—especially SCBWI/SF-South.
Of course, none of this would have been a reality without my incredible agent/dragon/unicorn, Elena Giovinazzo. Querying you seemed like the most impossible thing of all, and yet, here we are. Thank you for taking a chance on me that day, and for every single day since. Thanks to Dana Spector, film agent and book-enthusiast, whose kindness won me over from day one. My warmest thanks to all of the Pips, as well. Holly, Larissa, Ashley, Sara—the world is a better, more colorful, more story-ful place because of each of you!
Jen Besser—editor, champion, therapist, and cheerleader with the best taste in blush pink couches (and books)—it is such an honor to work with you and to call you a friend. Thank you for believing in Red and Tuck. And me.
To the entire Macmillan and Roaring Brook Press team—you are wizards, all. Luisa Beguiristain for, well, everything. Elizabeth H. Clark and Sarah J. Coleman (InkyMole) for my stunning, stunning cover. Mandy Veloso and Nancy Elgin in managing editorial. Chandra Wohleber, the most amazing copyeditor of all time. The incredibly kind, brilliant, and enthusiastic folks in marketing and publicity: Molly Ellis, Allison Verost, Morgan Rath, and Katie Quinn—without you, this story would be nothing but a whisper in a windstorm. Lucy Del Priore and Katie Halata, thank you for sharing my love of librarians and wonderful books! My thanks also to the team at Macmillan Audio, Guy Oldfield and Dakota Cohen, and to the magic voice herself, Samantha Desz. If I’ve left anyone off this list, my sincerest apologies. I’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude for the whole amazing Macmillan (and extended) family!
To the enthusiastic booksellers, librarians, and book lovers I’ve met in real life and online—thank you so much for your support for this little book. You’ve made me laugh and cry with wonder and gratitude, and I hope I get to meet and hug each and every one of you someday.
Animals play an important role in this book because they have played an important role in my own life. For the writing of this book, my pup Guido was either at my feet or on the chair behind me with each word. He’s not in these pages by name, but he’s all over the story in spirit.
And finally—but mostly. My love and constant support, Brandon. I couldn’t have done this without you. You’re my star-music and I thank God for this journey we’re on together. Here’s to all the adventures yet to come. I love you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Lackey has trained as an opera singer, worked in children’s and teen services at the public library, and worked for a major publishing house in publicity and marketing. Born and raised in Colorado, she now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their spoiled dog. All the Impossible Things is her debut novel. lindsaylackey.com, or sign up for email updates here.
@LindsayWrites
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CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
&nb
sp; Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Copyright
Text copyright © 2019 by Lindsay Lackey
Published by Roaring Brook Press
Roaring Brook Press is a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership
120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271
mackids.com
All rights reserved
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019932582
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eISBN 9781250202857
First hardcover edition, 2019
eBook edition, September 2019