Sometimes is the contemporary story of a young girl whose mother suffers from hoarding disorder. Warned to “Don’t tell,” secrecy seeps into every aspect of her life. For a time, she is successful keeping this secret as she attempts to meet her challenging environment with problem-solving skills equal to her age. Eventually, overwhelmed and torn between loyalty to her mother and her own instinct for survival, she finally accepts help from someone she trusts.

Gail Steketee, Professor Emerita Boston University says, "Joann Howeth’s book Sometimes tells the poignant story of a charming child living in her mother’s hoarded home. Her mother seems unable to provide basic necessities for her young daughter while trying to hide the problem from others until a kindly neighbor realizes she must intervene for the child’s welfare. The little girl’s woes and the problem of hoarding are beautifully illustrated by Vicky Kuhn. Kudos to Ms. Howeth for her prowess and simplicity in telling this tale to help others recognize the unfortunate consequences of a parent’s hoarding behavior."