Taken from the back of the book. "Sugar Mae Cole doesn't often get downhearted but lately it's been a struggle to keep up her spirit. Newly homeless, Sugar and her mother, Reba, have come to Chicago to make a fresh start. When Reba has a serious breakdown, Sugar and her beloved rescue dog, Shush, are put into foster care." Good story line for preteens all the way to young adults. I like Joan Bauer's writing style and how she tackles the tough topic of homelessness. If I was younger and reading.