All summer, Jess pushed himself to be the fastest boy in the fifth grade, and when the year's first school-yard race was run, he was going to win. But his victory was stolen by a newcomer, by a girl, one who didn't even know enough to stay on the girls' side of the playground. Then, unexpectedly, Jess finds himself sticking up for Leslie, for the girl who breaks rules and wins races. The friendship between the two grows as Jess guides the city girl...

Teaches children fourteen reassuring lessons about grief, explaining, for example, that crying and mixed-up feelings are okay, and features illustrations of a young elf going through the same process as the young reader.

Offers young readers a gentle introduction to the concept of death, as well as the feelings that come with losing someone and positive ways to deal with them.

"Lets us explain life and death in a sensitive, caring, beautiful way. Tells us about beginnings. And about endings. And about living in between. With large, wonderful illustrations, it tells about plants. About animals. About people. It tells that dying is as much a part of living as being born. It helps us to remember. It helps us to understand"--Publisher.

Loss, grief, and an annoying classmate make Jeremy's adjustment to life in a new city particularly difficult.