Beth Balmanno

Nine Lives Beth Balmanno

Nick Ziegler has a problem. He keeps almost dying. What's worse, a mysterious black cat named Mike keeps saving him. Not cool when you're eleven years old and just trying to enjoy the start of summer. But no matter where he goes?the lake, a tree in a neighbor's yard or just walking down the road?he finds himself staring death squarely in the face. Each time, though, the cat appears and somehow manages to keep him alive. Nick can't figure out who the cat belongs to or why he keeps showing up and as more people begin to take notice of his newfound protector?particularly his worried mother and his obnoxious older brother?he is determined to find out exactly what is going on. As his friends begin to back away and make fun of him, Nick finds an ally in Emma, his former nemesis. When his mother delivers some devastating news, he and Emma begin to put the pieces together and they come to the realization that Mike may have a far bigger place in Nick's life than either of them could have ever imagined.