Alison McGhee

Because their dreams of daring adventures go against the cautious teachings of their nations, Firefly and Cricket set out on their own, find a home with kindly Vole, and together help a grieving "miniature giant" named Peter.

"Shadow Baby" is eleven-year-old Clara Winters' story. Clara, who lives with her no-frills mother Tara in the foothills of the Adirondacks, is obsessed by a need for family -- or at the very least the knowledge of one. She learns that she had a twin sister who died at birth; she knows she must have a father somewhere; she knows little bits and pieces about her mother's father, whom she's never met; and that's all she has. In her search for information...

Since his father's suicide, Will tries to overcome his own misery by secretly helping the people around him-- and trying to replicate his late father's famous cornbread recipe. When Will learns his friend Playa was raped at a party, he believes he could have stopped the worst from happening if he hadn't left early, he's determined do some good in the world. Will acts of kindness help Will push past his own trauma and truly begin to live his life again?...

In the past year, William's life has fallen apart. His musically-gifted son has lost his life ... and it looks as though his marriage and his job will be the next things to go.

Ten days before the start of kindergarten, a preschooler can not tie her shoes by herself and fears the worst.

A young witch describes what she does on Halloween, her favorite holiday. On the far side of town in a big dark house lives a brave little witch. She has heard lots and lots about that very human holiday Halloween, and even though she thinks she knows what humans are like, she has never, ever seen Halloween for herself. Until one very special Halloween comes along .

When the snow falls, a young boy makes a snowman that becomes his friend until the seasons change.

"What can a small angel give a most important baby? A Christmas story about the greatest gift of all"--

Told in the voices of two high school juniors, Micah is held captive by the cult his parents joined and Sesame, his orphaned girlfriend, rallies their friends to save him. Micah and Sesame safeguard each other's secrets and share their dreams. Micah wants to save his parents from the cult leader who calls himself "the Prophet." Sesame recently lost the last of her own family-- her grandmother-- and plans to keep a low profile until she turns eighteen...

"As they dance, wiggle, and boogie together, fathers assure their sons that they can become anything they want and that they will always have their fathers' support"--