That Smudge of Smoke — Edith Morris Hemingway

After her mother dies suddenly, twelve-and-a-half year oldPenelope Grace Sinclair (Piper) must go live aboard asteamboat captained by her father. Before she saw herfather only twice a month when he was off-duty. Now, shemust see him every day.As Piper learns how to adjust to her father and grieve for her mother, she also learns about life and work on a steamboat just before theGreat Depression.To keep her company, Piper keeps a diary which she namesDorie. Magically, Dorie comes alive and tells her side of thestory too. Until a mysterious accident happens that separatesDorie and Piper, and all seems lost!Then, in 2015, a boy named Garrett, who is struggling tocope with his father's traumatic injury, finds Dorie. Garrettreads Piper's story, bringing the past to life again. Becauseof words and music, families discover that the power offriendship can carry them through hard times.For fans of Lauren Wolk (Beyond the Bright Sea) andNatalie Babbit (Tuck Everlasting), That Smudge of Smokeweaves together fantasy and history to create aheartwarming read for middle-school audiences.