families

Eleven-year-old Maximilian, a big fan of lucha libre, makes an unexpected connection with his idol, the Guardian Angel, when he takes a tumble over the railing at a match in San Antonio.

In Canton, Texas, seventeen-year-old Mercy's dreams of a different life than her mother's are postponed by harsh circumstances, including the influenza epidemic of 1918-19, which forces her into doing domestic work for a loving, if troubled, family.

Fifteen-year-old Soli, nicknamed Shifty, keeps getting into trouble without trying, but as he strives to trust and be trusted, he grows in appreciation of his foster family and works toward putting his past behind him.

First Officer Julian Rodriguez, imaginary space warrior, must endure the odious and unhygienic festivities of genetically linked mini-brains when members of his extended family visit over the holidays.

A little girl searches all over the house for the smile that seems to have deserted her.

Upon learning that her deceased mother, an artist, went through a "Purple Period," ten-year-old Noonie decides to do the same, hoping that this will bring her archaeologist father home to see her win a school art contest and that the aunt, uncle, and cousin she lives with will come to understand her just a little.

As a storm sweeps in, Tinh's father tells him to tie up their fishing boat but the storm scares him and he runs away, but when the damage to the boat is discovered, Tinh realizes what he must do.

Stories about preteen girls trying to handle all of life's changes can be a real challenge.

Family loss and other unexpected, even strange occurrences cannot dampen for long the spirits of the irrepressible Julia. Sequel to "Julia's Magic.".

"The stakes are high, with many lives at risk, but Calder and Lily must confront the past as well as their darkest impulses if they want a chance at being together"--Provided by publisher.