There’s never a good time to be orphaned – or abandoned … especially when you're twelve years old, and it’s the Great Depression. In 1928, Shakespearean actors, the McAllisters, are forced to leave their daughter Adversity at the Emu Swamp Children’s Home. They fully intend to return, but things don’t go according to plan. Then, to make matters worse, Scrimshaw, a villainous theatrical agent, hears the talented Addie sing and plots to use her in his next money-making venture. Together with Macbeth, her Shakespeare-quoting cockatiel, Addie is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. 'ADVERSITY MCALLISTER IS THEATRICAL, KIND, SMART AS A WHIP AND OH SO BRAVE. I WANT HER TO BE MY BEST FRIEND'- Katrina Nannestad, author of Olive of Groves and The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome 'Feisty, brave and fearless, Addie McAllister is on a courageous quest to right wrongs. She is a hero who is unstoppable. A must-read.' - Susanne Gervay, author of the I am Jack series. 'ADDIE MCALLISTER CAPTURED BY HEART FROM THE OUTSET. AN IRRESISTIBLE READ WITH A POWERFUL SENSE OF TIME AND PLACE.' Jen Storer, author of the bestselling Truly Tan series.