I read this book last spring while working with a team of 7th graders. This book was being passed around by all the girls--quite popular at the book fair! Parts of it are spooky but not over the top frightening. Some mature conversations between high school students.

Clara is involved in a car accident with a vehicle literally housing an entire family. When the resulting hospital visit reveals the mother occupying thecar Clara ran into has cancer, Clara takes in the family. The story is heartbreaking in a lot of places. Point of view moves among the characters.

Great book! A Beefeater at the Tower of London is asked to be in charge of The Royal Menagerie. Clever and funny story with eccentric characters.