New Book: Somebody's Someone is out now!

Somebody's Someone

12-year-old Ruby Bean has become an Accidental Expert on Missing Mothers. When Ruthie, her mother goes missing again due to mental illness and addiction – Ruby and her aunt leap into action to search for Ruthie.

A jewelry store robbery and unexpected kindness from the victim bring more twists to the journey. From Georgia to Washington to New York City Ruby discovers that sometimes even the worst events can bring the best surprises into one’s life.

Written By: Linda Oatman High

Illustrated By: Yayira Dzamesi

Lexile Level: 600L
Age Range: 10-14

Length: 184 pages

Word Count: 29,907

ISBN: 978-1-947159-87-7

Publisher: Red Chair Press / One Elm Books
Themes: Children's Fiction, Middle Grade, Family, Adolescence, Depression & Mental Illness

Released: March 4, 2025

Additional information on the publisher's site.

Download a free preview of the book here

SHOP ONLINE (USA Links)

Hardcover: $18.99

Target Amazon Barnes & Noble bookshop.org

Audiobook: $10.99

Barnes & Noble audiobooks.com

PDF available on NetGalley

REVIEWS

“Somebody’s Someone is a real treat for young readers, blending humor, love and friendship in the story of a twelve-year-old meeting the challenges of life with a mentally ill parent head on. I highly recommend it for young readers.” – Barbara Binns, award-winning author of Courage and Unlawful Orders

“All in all, a bit of a gem! A superbly written character-led novel for 10-14 year olds. Highly recommended!” – The Wishing Shelf Awards

“A compassionate novel exploring the lifeforce of a child's love. Somebody's Someone carefully addresses dark and complex topics through a compassionate, community-driven lens.” – Independent Book Review

“The novel's heady mix of realism and buoyancy carries all the way to the extraordinary ending. Dzamesi's spectacular black and white artwork renders such indelible images as Ruby's big, soulful eyes and Daisy's even bigger hat. A young girl's bumpy life begets an uplifting narrative journey.” – Kirkus Reviews

“High crafts an emotionally rich and powerful story in her latest novel... High masterfully balances Ruby’s innocent optimism with the forced maturity her circumstances demand, portraying a young girl’s fierce love and resilience in the face of abandonment... A beautifully illustrated, soul-stirring story that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.” – Bookview Review