This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Walk Two Moons

   

   This novel follows the emotional journey of a young girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle, who travels across the United States with her eccentric grandparents to visit her mother's final resting place in Idaho. Along the way, Sal tells the story of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom, whose mother also disappeared. Through these intertwined tales of mystery, loss, and love, the protagonist grapples with her own grief and learns the importance of understanding and forgiveness. The narrative beautifully weaves themes of family, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately delivering a poignant message about the journey of healing and the power of storytelling.

   The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

2. 2. Ruby Holler

   

   In a heartwarming tale set in a lush, enchanting valley, two spirited orphan twins, Dallas and Florida, embark on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and adventure. After enduring a series of unpleasant foster homes, they find themselves in the care of an eccentric older couple, Tiller and Sairy, who live in a magical place called Ruby Holler. As the twins navigate their new lives, they learn about trust, love, and the healing power of nature, while uncovering the mysteries and secrets that lie within the holler and within themselves.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

3. 3. The Wanderer

   

   A captivating tale of adventure and self-discovery, this story follows a young girl named Sophie as she embarks on a transatlantic journey aboard a sailboat with her uncles and cousins. As they navigate the unpredictable waters of the ocean, Sophie grapples with her mysterious past and the haunting memories of her parents. Through the challenges of the voyage, she learns about the strength of family bonds, the power of resilience, and the importance of confronting one's fears to find a sense of belonging and identity.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

4. 4. Heartbeat

   

   A poignant tale of self-discovery and friendship, this story follows twelve-year-old Annie as she navigates the complexities of growing up. Through her love for running, Annie finds solace and clarity, especially when life feels overwhelming. Her relationship with her best friend Max, who is dealing with his own struggles, adds depth to her journey. As she grapples with changes at home and the anticipation of a new sibling, Annie learns to appreciate the rhythm of life, embracing both its challenges and joys with a newfound sense of understanding and acceptance.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org
5. 5. Hate That Cat

   

   In this heartwarming and poetic sequel, young Jack continues his journey of self-discovery through the power of poetry. As he navigates the complexities of emotions and relationships, Jack finds himself grappling with his feelings toward a mysterious black cat that he initially dislikes. Through his classroom experiences and the guidance of his supportive teacher, Jack learns to express his thoughts and emotions, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. The narrative unfolds in a series of free-verse poems, capturing Jack's growth and the transformative power of words.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

6. 6. Love That Dog

   

   In this heartfelt and poignant novel, a young boy named Jack navigates his journey of self-expression through poetry. Initially reluctant and dismissive of the subject, Jack gradually discovers the power of words as he reflects on his life, his beloved dog, and his evolving emotions. Through a series of journal entries and poems, Jack's voice emerges with authenticity and vulnerability, revealing his growth and newfound appreciation for poetry as a means to process his feelings and connect with the world around him.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

7. 7. Replay

   The Play of Your Life

   

   Leo, a twelve-year-old boy with a vivid imagination, navigates the complexities of family life and self-discovery as he prepares for a school play. While rehearsing his role as "The Old Crone," he stumbles upon his father's forgotten journal, revealing a glimpse into his father's own youthful dreams and struggles. This discovery prompts Leo to reflect on his own aspirations and the dynamics within his family, ultimately leading him to a deeper understanding of himself and the people he loves.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

8. 8. Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

   

   A warm, humorous children's story in which a young girl and her friends navigate school troubles and family secrets with the help of her spirited Italian grandmother; through Granny's cooking, wise advice, and gentle courage the children learn about honesty, forgiveness and the importance of standing up for one another.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org