Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Bee is eleven years old, she lives and works at a carnival, helping with the hot dog stand.  Bee has a birthmark the shape of a diamond on her face, which she tries to keep hidden from everyone.  She only feels safe when Pauline is nearby.

Then, one day, Bee finds a dog hanging around and she knows she needs to find a permanent, safe place for herself and the dog.  When Pauline leaves the carnival for a new opportunity, Bee knows she will need to take a chance and leave herself.  With the help of a lady in a floppy orange hat that only Bee can see, she finds the courage to set out on her own and find a home.  She gets herself enrolled at school and starts to find her own strength.  

Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco (Lexile: 790; Interest Level: Grades 3-6) story is a brilliant mix of realistic/ historical fiction and fantasy which addresses some issues from World War II economics, education of students with special needs, and homelessness.  Students who enjoy stories such as Wonder may be interested in this 2015-2016 Indian Paintbrush Nominee. (336 p.)

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