It’s 1948, and eleven-year-old Jamie has lived through the air raids and destruction that the Nazis caused throughout Britain. But while the Allies may have won the war, Jamie’s battle is still ongoing: because of the air pollution from the bombings, he has trouble breathing. So when the Red Cross sends him on a three-month health holiday is Switzerland, Jamie hopes the fresh mountain air will cure him, even if he’s terrified to leave everything he’s ever known.
On his journey, Jamie discovers a new lifeline—a mysterious ball that answers his questions. Will I like my host family? It is decidedly so. Am I going to be okay? Ask again later. He does end up liking his host family, especially the twins Trudi and Fritz, who love to explore the woods beyond their house. Trudi and Fritz are determined to find a Wilde Frau—a mythical female spirit who legend says will grant your wishes if you help her. Maybe she’d even be able to fix Jamie’s lungs.
But when the twins venture on without Jamie one day and don’t return, Jamie must gather what little strength he has and go out after them. But the Alpine mountains are treacherous, even for healthy climbers. Will Jamie and his new friends survive the journey?
Outlook Unclear is:
Jenni L. Walsh worked for a decade enticing readers as an award-winning advertising copywriter before becoming an author. Her passion lies in transporting readers to another world, be it in historical or contemporary settings. She is a proud graduate of Villanova University, and lives in the Philadelphia suburbs with her husband, daughter, son, and various pets. Jenni is the USA TODAY bestselling author of historical novels Becoming Bonnie, Side by Side, A Betting Woman, The Call of the Wrens, Unsinkable, and Ace, Marvel, Spy. She also writes books for children, including the nonfiction She Dared series and historical novels Hettie and the London Blitz, I Am Defiance, By the Light of Fireflies, Over and Out, and Operation: Happy. To learn more about Jenni and her books, please visit jennilwalsh.com or @jennilwalsh on social media.