Nowhere, Now Here by Ann Howard Creel (American Girl, Very good, 2000, Pbk, 149 pages)

Used in very good condition: cover has light wear; writing in pencil on inside front cover. ISBN 1584851996

Twelve-year-old Laney is about to get the surprise of her life. Her corporate parents trade their office jobs in civilized Tampa Bay, FL, to be alpaca ranchers on the desolate Colorado prairie. She is definitely not ready to be uprooted again-especially since her father had assured her that Tampa Bay was the final move for the family.

As soon as school ends, they head west armed only with book knowledge of the animals they are about to care for. Once in Colorado, Laney's parents and "perfect" older sister swoon over the wide-open spaces and new opportunities open to the family. Laney is not so enchanted, and even refuses to unpack her things in her new room.

As the summer rolls on, she eventually befriends the "county weirdo," M. J. the Birdhouse Lady, and learns to accept the changes the move has brought. The protagonist's emotions have a realistic ring as she struggles to adapt in this unfamiliar world. The alpacas' fear of their new environment parallels the girl's lost sense of place and home, which is a nice touch. A believable portrait of a family in transition.