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. Pay It Forward

   

   In this heartwarming and thought-provoking novel, a young boy named Trevor McKinney is inspired by a school assignment to change the world through a simple yet powerful idea: "pay it forward." Instead of repaying a favor, Trevor encourages recipients to pass on a good deed to three new people, creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity. As Trevor's idea spreads, it touches the lives of many, revealing the profound impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals and communities, and highlighting the potential for positive change in the world.

   The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Stay

   

   Set in the late 1960s, this poignant novel follows the journey of a 14-year-old boy named Lucas Painter, who is grappling with the challenges of adolescence and the complexities of family life. As he navigates his own struggles, Lucas forms an unlikely friendship with two reclusive neighbors, Zoe Dinsmore and Connor, who are each battling their own demons. Through their shared experiences, they find solace and healing, discovering the power of human connection and the importance of staying true to oneself. This heartwarming tale explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the transformative impact of kindness.

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3. 3. Brave Girl, Quiet Girl

   

   Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, this poignant tale explores the unexpected bond between two women from vastly different worlds. When a carjacking leaves Brooke's young daughter, Etta, missing, she is thrust into a desperate search. Meanwhile, Molly, a homeless teenager, stumbles upon Etta and takes it upon herself to protect the child. As their lives intertwine, the story delves into themes of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of human connection, revealing how even the most unlikely friendships can offer hope and healing.

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4. 4. Just After Midnight

   

   In this poignant tale, a woman named Faith embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery after a tumultuous divorce. She finds solace in the unexpected friendship with a young girl named Sarah, who is grappling with her own family struggles. Together, they form an unlikely bond over their shared love for horses, particularly a troubled mare named Midnight. As they work to rehabilitate Midnight, both Faith and Sarah confront their past traumas, finding strength and hope in each other and the healing power of the natural world.

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5. 5. Heaven Adjacent

   

   After a sudden and life-altering decision to leave her high-powered legal career, Roseanna impulsively buys a small, rundown farmhouse in the countryside, seeking solace and simplicity. As she navigates her new life, she encounters a diverse array of characters, including a young boy and his troubled mother, who challenge her perceptions and help her rediscover the beauty of human connection. Through unexpected friendships and the healing power of nature, she learns to confront her past and embrace a future filled with hope and renewal.

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6. 6. Boy Underground

   

   Set against the backdrop of World War II, this poignant tale follows the journey of a young boy named Steven Katz who finds himself grappling with the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and identity. As Steven befriends a Japanese-American family facing internment, he is thrust into a world of moral dilemmas and societal prejudices. Through his eyes, readers witness the struggles of maintaining bonds in a time of division and fear, as well as the courage it takes to stand up for what is right, even when it means going against the grain of societal norms.

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7. 7. When I Found You

   

   After discovering a newborn abandoned in the woods, a solitary man longs to adopt him but is refused; years later, the troubled teen is left on his doorstep, forcing them into an unlikely, often fraught partnership. Guided by patience, firm boundaries, and quiet compassion, the man teaches the boy responsibility, integrity, and self-worth, even as the boy’s anger and mistakes test their fragile bond. Spanning years, their evolving relationship becomes a story of second chances, chosen family, and the healing power of steadfast love.

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8. 8. Worthy

   

   After a fatal accident devastates a family and divides a small town, the person responsible returns years later seeking to make amends. A rescued dog unexpectedly links him with the grieving woman left behind, pushing both to confront guilt, blame, and the possibility of forgiveness. As they face community judgment and their own guarded hearts, they must decide whether healing and second chances can overcome the past.

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9. 9. Take Me With You

   

   A grieving, recovering alcoholic schoolteacher sets out in his RV to scatter his son’s ashes, only to be asked by a mechanic bound for jail to take the man’s two young boys along for the summer. As they travel through national parks, the trio forge an unexpected family, confronting loss, addiction, and responsibility while discovering new purpose. Years later, they are drawn back together, testing their promises and proving the enduring power of compassion and second chances.

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10. 10. Don't Let Me Go