Author Cynthia Kadohata’s latest book for young readers is “Outside Beauty” (Simon & Schuster).

The novel is narrated by 13-year-old Shelby, who can only describe her mother as a sexpot who collects men (and loans, spending money, and gifts of all kinds) from all over the country. She’s atypical, but she’s more than a pretty face — she’s confident and brave and lives life on her own terms. Her four daughters, all from different fathers, adore her, and work together to keep the family grounded in a way their mother can’t.

Then a late-night car crash shatters everything, including their mother’s arm and face. Suddenly, the family is scattered across the country, each girl being sent to live with her respective father. The sisters try to adjust to a life without each other.

The trouble is, they’re not adjusting, Shelby realizes something drastic must be done to reclaim her family.

Kadohata is the author of the Newbery Medal-winning book “Kira-Kira,” “Weedflower,” and “Cracker: The Best Dog in Vietnam,” all for young readers, as well as critically acclaimed adult novels, including “The Floating World.” She lives with her son and dog in Covina, Los Angeles County.

For more information, visit http://kira-kira.us/.