A Rambler Steals Home

Garland, Derby, and Triple Clark spend each season traveling highways and byways in their Rambler—until summer, when small-town Ridge Creek, Virginia, calls them back. There they settle in, selling burgers and fries out of Garland’s Grill after each game the Rockskippers play in their battered minor-league baseball stadium. Derby’s summer traditions bring her closer than she’s ever been to a real home that isn’t on wheels, but this time, her return to Ridge Creek reveals unwelcome news. Now the person Derby loves most in town needs her help—and yet finding a way to do so may uncover deeply held stories and secrets.

Told in Derby’s unforgettable voice, this warm-hearted debut novel is about taking risks, planting roots, and discovering the true definition of home.

What happens when a girl who’s never had roots decides to plant them for someone else?

• A Heartfelt Coming of Age Story: Twelve-year-old Derby Clark has spent her life on the road. But when a town tragedy strikes, she discovers that home is something you build, not just a place you park.
• Minor League Baseball: From the sun-baked bleachers of the James Edward Allen Gibbs Stadium to the sizzle of post-game burgers at Garland’s Grill, summer in Ridge Creek revolves around the beloved Rockskippers.
• Community and Connection: To help her friend, Derby must rally a surprising team of her own—including the town rival she never thought she’d trust.
• Dealing with Grief: A gentle and touching look at how a town supports a friend through loss, proving that traditions and shared stories can be a powerful way to heal.

"This story is about as feel-good as they come, with new friendships grounded on old ones, poignant adolescent growth, and insights into family stories." —Bulletin   "...readers will easily connect with the story’s reflections on belonging, hope, family, and the meaning of home." —Publishers Weekly   "Vibrant, engaging Derby and her descriptive firstperson narrative, full of lively and poignant touches, are compelling and affecting... A heartfelt, immersive debut, perfect for sports fans." —Booklist   "Fans of quiet, nostalgic stories about team spirit should enjoy this debut effort." —Kirkus