Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on the doorstep. He announces he is here to stay to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken. In addition to figuring out middle school, Carter has to adjust to the unwelcome presence of this new know-it-all adult in his life and navigate the butler's notions of decorum and love of cricket. And ultimately, when his burden of grief and anger from the past can no longer be ignored, Carter learns that a burden becomes lighter when it is shared. Sparkling with humour, this insightful and compassionate story is the latest from the award-winning author of Orbiting Jupiter.

"Schmidt effortlessly fuses humor and tragedy" * New York Times Book Review *
"Wonderfully impressive and layered" -- starred review * Kirkus *
"A rich and nuanced middle grade novel that will appeal to readers who feel a little on the outskirts" -- starred review * School Library Journal *
"His engaging narrative leads readers through a broad range of emotions in this beautifully written, often amusing, and ultimately moving novel" -- starred review * Booklist *
"Schmidt fuses pathos and humor in this adroitly layered novel" -- starred review * Publishers Weekly *
"Deft use of comedic scenes and Schmidt’s trademark use of narrator-provided snark give the story the levity it needs to counteract the surprising number of tears readers are likely to shed. [Written] with remarkable finesse" -- starred review * Horn Book *
"Suffused with the same warmth, compassion and originality of the author’s stunning debut, Orbiting Jupiter, this funny, moving middle grade novel is a true treasure with broad appeal and rich rewards." -- Joanne Owen * LoveReading4Kids *
"Gary D. Schmidt has written a tender story of masculinity and companionship... Beautifully paced the book demonstrates to us all the importance of making good decisions, and of remembering who we are and who we love." -- Matthew Martin * Books for Keeps *

Gary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books and one Printz Honor award. He lives on a farm in Michigan and has six children. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College.