More than anything, ten-year-old Weezie wants to please her momma. She babysits her spoiled half-sister, Ruth Ann, and little Jackson. She makes tea for Momma in Gramma Emmeline's beautiful teapot. She even tries to cook dinner. But nothing turns out quite right. And Momma is never pleased. Hard times and a daddy who ran off before she was born seem to have stolen all of Momma's love.If only Weezie could find her daddy, she's sure her life would be happier. Tired of making up stories about a parent she knows nothing about, Weezie teams up with her bike-riding buddy, Calvin, and new friend, Louella, to find her mysterious father. Does he drive a truck? Sing country and western songs? Why, her real daddy might even be better than the made-up father she's been telling lies about at school! Now, all she has to do is find him.Jean Van Leeuwen's poignant, powerful novel introduces a feisty heroine whose brave search proves that even a life that's missing important pieces can be chock full of things that matter."Unflinchingly honest and full of quiet courage, "The Missing Pieces of Me" will break your heart on its very first page and then, with extraordinary tenderness, piece it back together again." ? Claudia Mills, author of "How Oliver Nelson Changed the World""I was captivated by Weezie. She's thoughtful, spunky, and determined to learn about herself and the hidden truths in her difficult world. A wonderful heroine!" ? Patricia Reilly Giff, author of the Newbery Honor books "Lily's Crossing" and "Pictures of Hollis Woods""You?ll root for Weezie, a spunky, resilient girl forced to face some hard truths. She uses all her smarts to seek the love and support she needs. As hope falls away, you?ll wonder how this bittersweet story can possibly end. But end it does. Triumphantly. Like a sapling growing up through jagged rock, Weezie reminds us that our hearts are quite capable of breaking?and expanding?simultaneously." ? Jennifer Richard Jacobson, author of "Small as an Elephant"