For the current generation of kids on Orange Street, the single orange tree on their block—all that’s left from what was once an entire grove—is a gathering place. As their individual stories unfold in this short, extraordinary novel, so, too, does a sense of the neighborhood and relationships—both within and beyond their families—that are so much a part of their lives. Ali’s little brother Edgar is recovering from surgery for a brain tumor; once a lively toddler, he hasn’t spoken since. Bunny is as quiet as her name suggests and goes through rituals every time her mom travels for business to make sure her plane will land safely. Leandra is bold and bossy but has been hiding several secret fears since her mom announced her pregnancy. Robert is learning magic so that he can wow everyone with his tricks, especially his dad—and Ali. The stories of other individuals on Orange Street, most notably Mrs. Snoop, who can vividly recall the details of her childhood on the block but not what she did five minutes ago, and a mysterious stranger who, it turns out, has something to do with the orange cone that’s been placed on the street near the tree, also unfold in a story that touches on history (the Great Depression, the Vietnam War) while revealing the small miracles of everyday life found in family, friendship, and community. (Ages 9–12)