This author crafts deeply human stories with a nuanced sensibility and strong female characters. Her prose is notable for its poetic quality and ability to evoke powerful emotions. Through her work, she explores themes of resilience, familial bonds, and the search for identity. Her debut novel offers a poignant exploration of the complexities of human connection and the strength found in overcoming adversity.
Set against the backdrop of civil rights-era New Orleans, this debut novel explores themes of Southern eccentricity and hidden secrets. The story follows a young protagonist navigating the complexities of growing up during a tumultuous time, highlighting the rich cultural landscape and the challenges of personal and social identity. With a focus on heartfelt connections and the impact of historical events on individual lives, it promises a poignant and engaging coming-of-age journey.
Clara Wilson has a lot on her mind. Her best friend, Gerri, has started moving in circles that will never in a million years include Clara and her crooked nose. Clara's parents are fighting again, and her mom keeps talking about teaching in France. At least Clara still has Hambone, her loyal dog. And her crush on Amos McKenzie, of course.Amos McKenzie doesn't much like home these days. His dad's corny questions are bugging him more than usual, and his mom's gone religious for no apparent reason. On top of that, he's starting to fall for a major dink, Clara Wilson. And as it turns out, he's not the only one...The Tripp Brothers are the biggest delinquents in town. They smash mailboxes, shoplift groceries, and cruise around in their Seduck (half sedan, half truck). They've just turned their sights on the school's newest, cutest couple. And that can only mean one thing for Clara and Amos: danger.Clara and Amos--their lives turned upside down by each other, their families, and the two meanest brothers in town--discover that honesty may be the answer...but it can be awfully hard to find. In this emotionally compelling and suspenseful young adult novel, Laura and Tom McNeal present a searingly accurate look at life in ninth grade--where thrills, heartbreak, and intimidation can take place at a locker, in the lunchroom, or in a bathroom stall.From the Hardcover edition.
