This author explores the human experience through narrative prose that often captures complex relationships and emotional landscapes. Their work is characterized by an introspective tone and a keen attention to characters' inner lives, inviting readers to deeper reflection on their own journeys. With a focus on nuanced observations and psychological depth, they offer an authentic perspective on navigating life's path.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, two twelve-year-olds find themselves on a scientific research ship, where their unexpected partnership leads to challenges and adventures. As they navigate the complexities of their environment and personal differences, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and the impact of human actions on the planet.
"Joy Fonseca is dreading her 13th birthday, dreading being reminded again about her best friend Lukas's senseless death on this day, one year ago -- and dreading the fact he may have heard what she accidentally blurted to him the night before. Or maybe she's more worried he didn't hear. Either way, she's decided: she's going to finally open the first clue to their annual birthday scavenger hunt Lukas left for her the morning he died, hoping the rest of the clues are still out there. If they are, they might lead Joy to whatever last words Lukas wrote, and toward understanding how to grab onto the future that is meant to be hers."-- Amazon.com
Seventeen-year-old Klee's father was the center of his life. He introduced Klee to the great museums of New York City and the important artists on their walls, he told him stories made of myths and magic. Until his death.
Summer has begun, the beach is calling . . . . . . but Francesca Schnell is going nowhere. Four years ago, Francesca’s little brother, Simon, drowned when she should have been watching. Now she is about to turn sixteen, but guilt keeps her stuck in the past. Meanwhile, her best friend is moving on—with the boy Francesca secretly wants—and her father may be having an affair. Then Francesca begins babysitting Frankie Sky, a four-year-old who bears an almost eerie resemblance to Simon. She even wonders if Frankie could be Simon’s reincarnation. Their surprising friendship helps Francesca think she might begin to forgive herself, grow up, and even fall in love, whether or not she solves the riddle of Frankie Sky. “Resonates with real feeling.” —The New York Times Book Review “Haunting, heart-lifting, and impossible to put down.” —A. S. King, author of Please Ignore Vera Dietz “A beautiful story of heartbreak and hope.” —Daisy Whitney, author of The Mockingbirds
While Nick Gardner's family is falling apart, his best friend, Scooter, is dying from a freak disease. The Scoot's final wish is that Nick and their quirky classmate, Jaycee Amato, deliver a prized first-edition copy of Of Mice and Men to the Scoot's father. There's just one problem: the Scoot's father walked out years ago and hasn't been heard from since. So, guided by Steinbeck's life lessons, and with only the vaguest of plans, Nick and Jaycee set off to find him. Characters you'll want to become friends with and a narrative voice that sparkles with wit make Gae Polisner's The Pull of Gravity a truly original coming-of-age story.