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Published May 2017
336 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Information
This exhilarating coming-of-age story, a prequel to the Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity, returns to a beloved character just before she first takes flight.
Before Verity ... there was Julie.
When fifteen-year-old Julia Beaufort-Stuart wakes up in the hospital, she knows the lazy summer break she'd imagined won't be exactly what she anticipated. And once she returns to her grandfather's estate, a bit banged up but alive, she begins to realize that her injury might not have been an accident. One of her family's employees is missing, and he disappeared on the very same day she landed in the hospital.
Desperate to figure out what happened, she befriends Euan McEwen, the Scottish Traveller boy who found her when she was injured, and his standoffish sister, Ellen. As Julie grows closer to this family, she witnesses firsthand some of the prejudices they've grown used to - a stark contrast to her own upbringing - and finds herself exploring thrilling new experiences that have nothing to do with a missing-person investigation.
Her memory of that day returns to her in pieces, and when a body is discovered, her new friends are caught in the crosshairs of long-held biases about Travellers. Julie must get to the bottom of the mystery in order to keep them from being framed for the crime.
"Starred Review. Each thread of this novel is exquisitely woven." - Publishers Weekly
"Starred Review. Another ripping yarn from a brilliant author." - Kirkus
"Starred Review. A finely crafted book that brings one girl's coming-of-age story to life." - Booklist
"Starred Review. A must for Verity fans and a good read for those who enjoy mystery with a touch of romance." - School Library Journal
This information about The Pearl Thief was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Elizabeth Wein is the holder of a private pilot's license and the owner of about a thousand maps. She is best known for her historical fiction about young women flying in World War II, including the New York Times bestselling Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire. Elizabeth is also the author of Cobalt Squadron, a middle grade novel set in the Star Wars universe and connected to the 2017 release The Last Jedi. Elizabeth lives in Scotland and holds both British and American citizenship.
Link to Elizabeth Wein's Website
Name Pronunciation
Elizabeth Wein: ween
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