Sweeping Up the Heart by Kevin Henkes

 Amelia's mother passed away when she was quite young, and now she lives with her reclusive professor father.  The two have a cook/housemade, Mrs O'Brian, who tries to be the female parental figure in the home.  One year, during spring break, Amelia meets Casey, who is staying with his aunt for a week while his parents decide whether to divorce. The two pre-teens strike an instant friendship, and help each other find hope despite complicated parental relationships. 

I love Kevin Henkes' light and open hearted touch when dealing with difficult family relationships.  Amelia's awkward relationship with her father is realistic and sympathetic.  Although he cannot express his love for his daughter with words, it gently shines through.  I also like that it is balanced by Mrs. O'Brian whose heart and arms are so open to the needy girl.  I met and had a fairly lengthy conversation with Mr. Henkes once, and he is as kind and gentle in person as he comes through in his books.    (183 p. 2019)