Dinner at the Brake Fast

“Rich characterizations, an electrifyingly original yet believable plot, and a perceptive voice distinguishes this captivating road trip tale. With standout compassion and candor, Lute explores the sometimes heartbreaking reality of living with a depressed parent and the joy that friends and cooking can bring.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A sweet, far-from-bland tale rich in food, family, and freshly made friendships.” – Booklist (starred review)

“The thrilling adventures pair with delightfully humorous metaphors, making for a story that feels balanced rather than heavy–while Tacoma’s dream dinner can’t cure her dad’s mental illness, it can still serve up some joy.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The rural Washington setting provides a wealth of quirky characters and locales, and the one-day timeframe lends a satisfying immediacy to the kids’ adventures… An uplifting caper ” – Kirkus Reviews

Renee Beauregard Lute is the author of The Exceptional Maggie Chowder. She lives in a blue house outside of Seattle with her husband, three young children, two cats, and one cockapoo. Renee writes a lot, reads a lot, and loves exploring Washington State, which is just about her favorite place (next to Disneyland). You can find her making weird faces at her laptop in various coffee shops.