eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

Sam has always been afraid of the number eleven. When he turns eleven, he discovers a newspaper clipping that shows him as missing. Unfortunately, Sam struggles with reading and can't find out what it says. Sam begins to wonder if his grandfather, who he lives with, is really who he says he is. So he turns to a new girl in school, Caroline, to help him. Flashes from the past keep cropping up in his dreams, a castle, a sailboat and an accident. With Caroline's help, he pieces together part of the puzzle and eventually sits down with his grandfather to get the rest of the answers. An intriguing mystery and touching story of an unusual family. eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff. Wendy Lamb Books, 2008.