Sara Zarr

"Gem has never known what it is to have security. She's never known an adult she can truly rely on. But the one constant in her life has been Dixie. Gem grew up taking care of her sister when no one else could: not their mother, whose issues make it hard for her to keep food on the table, and definitely not their father, whose intermittent presence is the only thing worse than his frequent absence. Even as Gem and Dixie have grown apart, they've always...

After losing her soul mate, Cameron, when they were nine, Jennifer, now seventeen, transformed herself from the unpopular fat girl into the beautiful and popular Jenna, but Cameron's unexpected return dredges up memories that cause both social and emotional turmoil.

Kyle Barker thought his family was happy. When he learns that his mother has been having an affair, and his father has been living with the secret, his reality is altered. Kyle withdraws from life, and the only person he can talk to (well, text to) is his cousin Emily. But Kyle's parents want him to keep this secret from the rest of the family until after what might be their last big summer reunion. Kyle feels the walls of his relationships closing...

As the tragedy of a missing girl enfolds in her small town, fifteen-year-old Samara, who feels emotionally abandoned by her parents, begins to question her faith.

"Expert advice and encouragement are paired with exercises to help you face down your fears, let go of expectations, stop comparing yourself to others, and make your art with courage"--

When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl's summer--and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room. As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex....

Altered Perceptions is an anthology of science fiction and fantasy authors, donating their work to help author Robison Wells, who's crippled by debt, caused by his mental illnesses. This volume contains original short stories as well as deleted scenes and alternate versions of portions of the authors' books. Also included are essays from the contributors about how mental illness has affected their lives and the lives of their loved ones.