Mary Francis Shura

Eleven-year-old Peter feels uncomfortable at home and school after his family moves to Brooklyn, until his search for his sister's missing cat opens up a new life for him.

Shy, twelve-year-old, chess-loving Greg is apprehensive about spending six months with his grandmother in Pineville, Illinois; but his relationship with the outgoing Nolan family involves him in some real-life chess moves with a troubled girl, that open him up to loyalty and friendship with people who really count.

An uneasy friendship with the strange, constantly angry new girl in her neighborhood leads eleven-year-old Janie Potter to discover a hidden cache of money and stolen jewelry.