WILMIGTON- Bartleby’s Books invites young readers, particularly those in grades 5 and up, to join the author for an afternoon of reading and conversation. The event is free and open to the public. The reading will begin at 4 pm on Saturday, July 14.

In Jo Knowles’ new book for middle school readers, 12-year-old Fern feels invisible. Her dad is always busy planning how to increase traffic to the family business. Her mom is constantly going off to meditate. Her sister Sarah, who’s taking a “gap year” after high school, is too busy finding ways not to work; and her brother Holden is too focused on his new friend to pay attention to her. And then there’s Charlie: 3-years-old, a “surprise” baby, and the center of everyone’s world.

If it wasn’t for Ran, Fern’s best and oldest friend, there would be nowhere to turn. Ran is always calm, always positive. His mantra “All will be well” is soothing in a way that nothing else seems to be. And when Ran says it, Fern can almost believe.

But when their lives are unexpectedly turned upside down, Fern feels more alone than ever, and responsible for the event that wrenches the family apart. All will not be well. Or at least, all will never be the same.

Knowles’ previous books for young adults, including “Pearl,” “Jumping Off Swings,” and “Letters From A Dead Girl,” have won numerous awards including the YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, The New York Times Editor’s Choice, and the PEN New England Children’s Book Discovery Award. Her work has been praised by the likes of Libba Bray, Rebecca Stead, and Lauren Myracle, all giants of the young adult literary world. A New Hampshire native, Knowles now lives in Vermont with her husband and young son.

Bartleby’s Books is located at 17 West Main Street right in the heart of downtown. For questions or to reserve a copy of the book call (802) 464-5425, email bartbook@sover.net or visit myvermontbookstore.com.