During this time, she encounters the library card, which shows her the benefits of reading many kinds of different books.

Life is hard for him without any stable friends, but one day when he discovers the library card and takes out a book, he finds refuge from loneliness.

The final character, April Mendez, has just moved for her father's job on a mushroom farm.

[1] Publishers Weekly said that "While the premise (the card) behind the stories may seem contrived, the author uses it effectively to take a close look at how young people deal with hard circumstances.

"[2] Kirkus Reviews called Spinelli a "shrewd storyteller" and that the "realistic characters are funny and profound at times" and that "the prose occasionally invites readers to linger over a description".