Graham is an orphan who yearns for a real family. The Velma Villa orphanage keeps him safe and warm, but Mother Button does little to make him feel loved. Graham knows from his birth certificate that his birthday is June 2nd, 1935, that he was born in Islington, England, and that his mother's name is Marietta Robbertson. Armed with this information, he runs away again and again to find his mother, but is unsuccessful. When the police catch up with him, he's returned to the Villa. Graham promises himself that he will never give up his dream to find his family. As a grown man, he keeps his promise, and Graham's quest leads him home to his family at last.

Bernice Thurman Hunter's profile page

• Commended, Canadian Library Association, Book of the Year

Award-winner Bernice Thurman Hunter is the author of many highly acclaimed historical novels, including Booky: A Trilogy and the equally successful Margaret books. In 1989, Bernice received the Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.