Stories
— A grieving girl finds solace climbing her oak tree and discovers unexpected connection when a new teacher arrives who values her love of words.
— A mute girl who finds solace in nature discovers she can communicate telepathically with a mountain cat, then runs away when her divorcing parents abandon her.
— During a summer visit to China, a girl who hates bugs learns from her butterfly-loving aunt to see the beauty and purpose in all living things.
— A girl who hates bugs learns to care for butterflies with her aunt in China, discovering that all life has meaning and purpose.
— A basketball player reflects on how the game remains constant from third grade through high school, despite physical changes and growing skill.
— During a sixth-grade math test, a perfectionist student spirals into panic until a photo of her baby cousin reminds her that love doesn't depend on being perfect.
— An eight-year-old boy faces his fear when his father dares him to go outside during Hurricane Matthew, discovering both the storm's power and his father's protective nature.
— When her best friend announces she's moving to Korea in two days, a girl's anger gives way to understanding that true friendship can survive any distance.
— A girl adopts a mysterious horse from a shadowy seller at a carnival, only to discover he's a stolen Chincoteague pony who must be returned to his island home.
— A nervous softball player battles anxiety at bat, gets walked, then hits the pitching machine and slides safely into second base.