Linda Vigen Phillips draws from a deep reservoir within her soul, holding the sounds of wind whistling through Ponderosa pines and sun glancing off Cascade peaks. She crafts realistic fiction in verse, offering hope to teens and families navigating mental or physical health challenges. Her works are praised for their 'beauty' and 'emotional impact,' with her brave storylines 'resonating with teens' and 'speaking to many, many readers.' Phillips's writing finds its power in vivid, evocative imagery and emotionally resonant narratives.
This book is a memoir of the author's experiences creating and maintaining a garden in an urban setting. It includes tips and advice for gardening in small spaces, as well as stories and musings about the joys and challenges of gardening. It is a delightful and inspiring read for anyone who loves gardening.
Piano prodigy 14-year-old Claire Fairchild struggles to reconcile her own musical success knowing Batten disease will claim the lives of her two brothers. She knows she'll need friends to help her find the courage to take the next step.
Laura is a typical fifteen-year-old growing up in the 1960s, navigating her way through classes, friendships, and even a new romance. But she's carrying around a secret: her mother is suffering from a mental illness. No one in Laura's family will talk about her mother's past hospitalizations or increasingly erratic behavior, and Laura is confused and frightened. Laura finds some refuge in art, but when her mother suffers a breakdown after taking painting back up again herself, even art ceases to provide much comfort. Eloquent and compelling, this powerful novel-in-verse tackles complex themes in a way that will have readers rooting for Laura to find the courage to get the answers she needs.
Gwendolyn, an orphan raised by her grandmother, embarks on a journey to uncover her family's past and her own identity. As she seeks answers about her parents and their love for her, she discovers hidden secrets within her grandmother's life. This quest leads her to explore her faith, the complexities of desire, and the possibility of romance. Set against the backdrop of Northern British Columbia, the story emphasizes the importance of intimacy with God and the transformative power of love in a challenging world.