An American girl, grieving after her mother's recent death, travels to a remote African village, experiencing new cultures and traditions and meeting people whose unique insights help open her heart and mind in ways she never thought possible.

After the sudden death of her mother, Clare Silver remains in denial until her father, a doctor, whisks her away to a remote African village—the one place he believes can heal both of their hearts.

A budding fashion designer, Clare feels stuck in the jungle, living under primitive conditions without cell phone reception or any contact with the outside world and expected to attend school with the locals and learn their language.

When a teacher quits, Clare reluctantly agrees to teach the youngest students. Clare can't help being impressed with the kids who are so eager to learn, despite having to work in small, crowded spaces and share their schoolbooks. As Clare develops a friendship with an orphan named Memory, this girl who has lost so much dares Clare to open her heart again, remember her mother, and laugh with the moon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SHANA BURG is the author of the critically acclaimed A Thousand Never Evers. This story is based in part on her research of the primitive education system in Malawi. The stories and insights of the people she met there infuse this story.