Because her mother's work takes her far from home, 14-year-old Tree is left in charge of running the household and caring for her older brother, Dabney. Although Tree's life is full of uncertainty, she accepts it as it is until she encounters the ghost of her uncle, Brother Rush, through whom she can enter into the forgotten world of her early childhood. By reliving several childhood experiences, she is able to raise questions about the past which are essential to her understanding of the present. Hamilton once again proves herself as a great stylist in this extraordinary, highly original story of family relationships. One of the outstanding time fantasies written recently. (Honor Book - CCBC Mock Newbery Straw Vote) (11 years and older)

Why had he come to her, with his dark secrets from a long-ago past? What was the purpose of their strange, haunting journeys back into her own childhood? Was it to help Dab, her retarded older brother, wracked with mysterious pain who sometimes took more care and love than Tree had to give? Was it for her mother, Vy, who loved them the best she knew how, but wasn't home enough to ease the terrible longing?

Whatever secrets his whispered message held, Tree knew she must follow. She must follow Brother Rush through the magic mirror, and find out the truth. About all of them.