Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All - by Laura Ruby

Book Synopsis

National Book Award 2019 Finalist!

From the author of Printz Medal winner Bone Gap comes the unforgettable story of two young women--one living, one dead--dealing with loss, desire, and the fragility of the American dream during WWII.

When Frankie's mother died and her father left her and her siblings at an orphanage in Chicago, it was supposed to be only temporary--just long enough for him to get back on his feet and be able to provide for them once again. That's why Frankie's not prepared for the day that he arrives for his weekend visit with a new woman on his arm and out-of-state train tickets in his pocket.

Now Frankie and her sister, Toni, are abandoned alongside so many other orphans--two young, unwanted women doing everything they can to survive.

And as the embers of the Great Depression are kindled into the fires of World War II, and the shadows of injustice, poverty, and death walk the streets in broad daylight, it will be up to Frankie to find something worth holding on to in the ruins of this shattered America--every minute of every day spent wondering if the life she's able to carve out will be enough.

I will admit I do not know the answer. But I will be watching, waiting to find out.

That's what ghosts do.

From the Back Cover

When Frankie's mother died and her father left her and her siblings at an orphanage in Chicago, it was supposed to be only temporary--just long enough for him to get back on his feet and be able to provide for them once again. That's why she is not prepared for the day when he arrives for his weekend visit with a new woman on his arm and out-of-state train tickets in his pocket.

Now Frankie and her sister, Toni, are abandoned to the orphanage, two young, unwanted women doing everything they can to survive. And as the embers of the Great Depression are kindled into the fires of World War II, and the shadows of injustice, poverty, and death walk the streets in broad daylight, Frankie must find something worth holding on to in the ruins of this shattered America--every minute of every day spent wondering if the life she is able to carve out will be enough.

I will admit I do not know if it will be. But I will be watching, waiting to find out.

That's what ghosts do.

Review Quotes

"Haunting and hopeful in equal measure." -- New York Times Book Review

"A numinous tale of love and restlessness and dark histories that rises like a tide till you're up to your neck in its magic. My very favorite kind of read." -- Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel Wood

"Ruby's delicate, powerful storytelling reveals profound, bewitching truths about the vast, sometimes cruel, sometimes loving, possibilities of human nature. Subtle and stunning." -- ALA Booklist (starred review)

"Powerful plotting, masterful character development, and a unique narrative device set this work apart. Make room on the shelf next to Code Name Verity and The Book Thief." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"A beautiful and lyrical read that pushes against the boundaries of what we often think a young adult novel can contain." -- BookPage

"A layered, empathetic examination of the ghosts inside all girls' lives, full of historical realism and timeless feeling." -- Kirkus Reviews