This brilliantly told (New York Times) Newbery Honor Book gives readers a sense of what it was like to be on the American home front while our soldiers were away fighting in World War II. As in past years, Lily will spend the summer in Rockaway, in her familys summer house by the Atlantic Ocean. But this summer of 1944, World War II has changed everyones life. Lilys best friend, Margaret, has moved to a wartime factory town, and, much worse, Lilys father is going overseas to the war. Theres no one Lilys age in Rockaway until the arrival of Albert, a refugee from Hungary with a secret sewn into his coat. Albert has lost most of his family in the war; hes been through things Lily cant imagine. But soon they form a special friendship. Now Lily and Albert have secrets to share: They both have told lies, and Lily has told one that may cost Albert his life.