Phil Cummings's A Piece of Mind is his second novel for young adults. Angel, his first novel, tells the story of Shane, who sincerely believes his dead brother David has returned. Cummings's picture books, for which he is best known, include Midge, Mum, and the Neighbors, Marty and Mei-Ling, and Tully and the Claws. Cummings divides his time between teaching and writing.