Publisher's Synopsis
"Compelling juxtaposition and intertwining of gritty reality with the fantastical, whimsical world of aliens; a heartrending blend of humor and pathos."
- Mark Spencer, author of A HAUNTED LOVE STORY and recipient of the Faulkner Society Faulkner Award for ONLY MISSING Beings from all over the universe have gathered on Kamim for the yearly Interstellar Beauty Contest. Fifteen-year-old Liam and his best (and only) friend Absalom are there to represent Earth, although they never actually agreed to come. Now Absalom must put his reservations aside and convince the judges of something he doesn't quite believe himself: that his short, fat, brown body is beautiful. Liam only has to announce Absalom and translate the other beings' sign language for him, a simple enough task for a deaf boy. But when he meets pretty Sadie right before the announcement, his mind goes blank and his hands can't find the right words. And then there is Topher, the boy who bullies Liam and Absalom on Earth and was accidentally brought to Kamim with them. He is sullen and mean, but he knows how to be cool and confident, two traits which would help Absalom immensely in the contest... This contemporary fantasy for young adults and tweens is an adventure story about the power of friendship and believing in yourself.
