When twelve-year-old Izzy discovers a beat-up baseball marked with the words "Becausemagic" while unpacking in yet another new apartment, she is determined to figure out what it means. What secrets does this old ball have to tell? Her mom certainly isn't sharing anyespecially when it comes to Izzy's father, who died before Izzy was born. But when she spends the summer in her Nana's remote New Mexico village, Izzy discovers long-buried secrets that come alive in an enchanted landscape of watermelon mountains, whispering winds, and tortilla suns. Infused with the flavor of the southwest and sprinkled with just a pinch of magic, this heartfelt middle grade debut is as rich and satisfying as Nana's homemade enchiladas.
Jennifer was born and raised in San Diego but spent many summers in New Mexico as a child. She didn't think there was much to do there so she made up lots of adventures and read countless books to pass the time. Somehow, she found her way back to New Mexico(temporarily) to attend college and met a great guy, which led her to make New Mexico her home (permanently).
She lives with her husband, and three daughters (who are great editors and sources of inspiration) in New Mexico.
