Exploring themes of health, family, faith, and grief, this collection of twenty-eight personal essays offers a candid look at aging. The author, reflecting on life in her ninth decade, balances wry humor with poignant insights, sharing experiences that resonate with the complexities of memory and longevity, including the joys of sharing a dog.
Eddie Barajas seeks a carefree senior year, opting to work with his stepfather in house painting instead of pursuing college. However, his life takes a turn when he confronts racism, reigniting childhood traumas and testing his coping mechanisms. As he navigates the complexities of first love and the meaning of being a true American, Eddie faces critical decisions that challenge him to stand firm against hate. This stand-alone sequel to SHUT UP delves into themes of resilience and self-discovery amidst adversity.
Centered on a heartfelt love story, this account captures Marilyn Reynolds' cherished relationship with her husband, Mike. It beautifully reflects on their memories, showcasing the joy and depth of their bond even as they face the challenges of dementia. This narrative serves as an inspiring reminder of the enduring power of love, offering hope and comfort to families navigating similar struggles.
The novel explores the profound impact of a young lesbian's decision to come out during her high school years. Centered on Kit Dandridge, it delves into her struggles within a repressive environment alongside her best friend Lynn. The narrative highlights contemporary issues such as bullying and intolerance while showcasing the emergence of support networks for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. Ultimately, it celebrates the transformative power of love in various relationships and the importance of gay/straight alliances in fostering a safer school environment.
Facing an unexpected pregnancy, Autumn's seemingly perfect life as a top volleyball player and devoted daughter is shattered by tragedy. Overwhelmed by grief and the weight of her choices, she struggles to regain her sense of self while navigating the complexities of her situation. As she confronts her emotions and the reality of impending motherhood, Autumn must discover the inner strength required to overcome challenges that test her resilience and redefine her future.
Set against the backdrop of family upheaval, the story follows 17-year-old Mario and his younger brother Eddie as they navigate life with their Aunt Carmen after their mother is deployed to Iraq. While Eddie seeks paternal affection from Aunt Carmen's boyfriend, Mario's focus is divided between his first love and soccer. Tension escalates when Mario uncovers a shocking secret about Denton, forcing him to take drastic steps to safeguard his brother. This poignant narrative explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the unbreakable bond between siblings.
Navigating the challenges of adolescence, Lauren Riley grapples with the pressures of her boyfriend Tyler, who challenges her commitment to stay away from drugs and sex. With both parents struggling with addiction, she turns to writing as a means of coping and uncovering her inner strength. This narrative authentically reflects the complexities of high school life, addressing themes such as drugs, race, sex, first love, and the quest for self-expression, all shaped by insights from high school students themselves.
The story explores the complex dynamics of domestic abuse through Melissa's journey as she grapples with her partner Rudy's violent behavior, which she initially downplays. After recognizing the impact on their child, she seeks refuge in a shelter for battered women. However, as she navigates the challenges of shelter life, her nostalgia for the past complicates her resolve, leading her back into a perilous cycle. The narrative delves into themes of resilience, the struggle for safety, and the psychological pull of an abusive relationship.
Jeff is heading to college on a debating scholarship. Until his girlfriend tells him she is pregnant. He can't debate his way out of this dilemma.
Six captivating short stories about the lives of teens in crises. Story lines include such young adult concerns as racism, a drunk driving accident, abortion, partner abuse, pregnancy, school failure and coping with the need to care for an aging relative. Three of the stories are told by young male narrators and three by female narrators. All six stories feature realistic and well-drawn characters.