Breaking rules usually means trouble -- is it ever worth it? If it means that no one will ever see you the same way again, maybe that's ok. Sixteen year old TRU LUUP is a shy, smart, vintage clothing geek. Her best friend is Casey, a sk8er girl with a flip phone who knows all the lyrics to Suite: Judy Blue Eyes by Crosby, Stills, and Nash. She lives with her parents in a mellow household where the turntable is always playing, incense hangs in the air, and strings of colorful glass beads decorate the hallway. Since Tru's grandmother died, the carefree hours of a careworn childhood were gone. Cleaning out Gram's closet, the pin was found in an old chest. It had a locket filled with chestnut hair; the same color as Tru's. When Tru tried on Gram's old ball gowns, her grandmother would smile and say "Well that's fitting" which Tru thought curious but didn't bother to ask why. The pin was old from what Tru could tell, but she knew nothing about old jewelry. Tru was a good student and dedicated employee at Second Hand Rose -- the consignment shop where she worked after school. Mrs. Rose was so impressed with Tru's research skills she allowed her to write the descriptions for the store's website. Tracing details about the pin wasn't all that hard, although there were some clues that hinted it was far older than Tru ever imagined -- the eighteenth century -- and from France. But when she found a letter in Gram's antique desk that explained the royal origins of the pin and the very famous hair it contained, it was very hard to believe. It was also hard to ignore; the pin could be a valuable heirloom.
Mom was selling Gram’s things at auction -- she planned on using the money to invest in her business. As the story unfolds, Tru discovers a determination she never knew she had. She did what was expected of her, and without complaint. Not any more. In this coming-of-age story, Tru uncovers a family secret, and it's the last, best-ever story she and Gram would share. Tru learns that old, beautiful clothes are one just one way of expressing yourself. Dressing up in confidence? Well, that’s just about the best thing anyone can wear.
