Description
So what if Harmony has to be the grown-up?
After months living in a foster home (again), Harmony convinces a judge that she can move back in with her mother. Her mom even finds an apartment that the social worker, Gloria, can't find fault with. But now Harmony has an even bigger battle ahead—trying to keep her mom on the straight and narrow, or at least keep Gloria from finding out when she slips. Which she does. A lot. Often left to fend for herself, Harmony finds an ally in Mr. Khaled, the owner of the convenience store across the street. He helps Harmony out with food in exchange for some part-time work. And at school, her principal seems to be on her side. Even so, it feels like Harmony’s life is always one step from falling apart, and she can't really trust anyone.
Harmony knows the question is less about whether she'll return to foster care and more about when she's ready to do it.
Finding Harmony is the prequel to the Governor General's award-winning The King of Jam Sandwiches. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
★ “Tug at the heartstrings and tickle the funny bone…This warm tale is definitely one for the keeper shelves. Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review for The King of Jam Sandwiches
Author Bio
Prizes
- Forest of Reading Red Maple AwardNominated 2026
Review Quotes
“Raw and relatable…This novel deftly expresses the anguish and perseverance of children fighting to stay out of the foster care system. A powerful portrayal of the reality facing children with parents who struggle with addiction. Harmony is a hero whose story can help others know they are not alone.”
— School Library Journal (SLJ)“From the outset […] we are introduced to a strong, smart, independent child who has been through at least four foster homes. Finding Harmony is a heavy book that should, perhaps, come with trigger warnings for Harmony’s troubled home life, but it is no less a stand-alone and a standout.”
— Booklist“A gripping story that readers will want to read to the very end. Highly recommended.”
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials“This sobering work is a powerful and realistic portrait of a struggling child. Resonant and haunting.”
— Kirkus ReviewsBiographical note
Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 125 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards including the Governor General’s Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over one hundred thousand students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.
