Michael Turner's mother is ruining his life piece by piece. As he starts the second grade he does not like his mother's rules about playing with guns, watching television, and the fact that a homeless eight-year-old named Pan has moved into their small house. Only when he and his sister start receiving peculiar gifts from fairies - to which Michael is suspicious - does he realize that the life of his single mother is more complex than he ever imagined. Over Mud Creek follows a year in Michael's life as he matures with the support of various colorful characters in his small town, from an aging couple in the nearby retirement home to his fiver-year-old sister that doesn't speak. However, as he works to repair his relationship with his mother, Michael finds guidance in a bridge building project with his eccentric second grade teacher, conversations with a family friend, and favors he does for the local minister. These often comical events each lead Michael on the path toward a better understanding of the role of family, the strength of friendships, and the importance of being good to others. This novel, appropriate for all ages, investigates the intricate dynamics of family, the challenges of poverty, and the power and will of the human spirit, all through the lens of an eight-year-old boy growing into this world. The first-person voice of Michael is unique and inviting, bringing insight without frills. Much like family favorites such as Charlotte's Web and Winnie-the-Pooh, Over Mud Creek mixes humor and silliness with thoughtful exploration of relationships and the strength of imagination.