On 14 February 2008, while Joe and Laurel Dubowski were exchanging Valentine's gifts, a tragedy was unfolding on the campus of Northern Illinois University. A gunman had targeted students in a classroom, and their daughter, Gayle, was one of six who died that day. In this brave and hopeful book, Joe takes us along on a journey he would never have chosen to travel. He recounts the details as they moved toward an understanding that was unthinkable and gut-wrenching. Introducing us to twenty-year-old Gayle, he celebrates her life and her faith. Gayle loved the rain. In fact, she loved it so much she would run outside and do cartwheels in the downpour. A book for all who have experienced loss and for all who comfort them, Cartwheels in the Rain is an affirmation that whatever we are called to face in this life, God is always there to hold us, to carry us, to see us through.

Even a life on the untamed plains of Africa can’t prepare Wilhelmina for the wilds of an English boarding school in this “gripping, magical, and heartwarming tale of resilience, friendship, and hope” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Wilhelmina Silver’s world is golden. Living half-wild on an African farm with her horse, her monkey, and her best friend, every day is beautiful. But when her home is sold and Will is sent away to boarding school in England, the world becomes impossibly difficult. Lions and hyenas are nothing compared to packs of vicious schoolgirls. Where can a girl run to in London? And will she have the courage to survive? From the author of Rooftoppers, which Booklist called “a glorious adventure,” comes an utterly beautiful story that’s “a treasure of a book” (VOYA).

In this colorful, eye-opening memoir, Jayanti Tamm offers an unforgettable glimpse into the hidden world of growing up “cult” in mainstream America. Through Jayanti’s fascinating story–the first book to chronicle Sri Chinmoy–she unmasks a leader who convinces thousands of disciples to follow him, scores of nations to dedicate monuments to him, and throngs of celebrities (Sting, Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela) to extol him. When the short, bald man in flowing robes prophesizes Jayanti to be the “Chosen One,” her life is forever entwined with the charismatic guru Sri Chinmoy, who declares himself a living god. A god who performs sit-ups and push-ups in front of thousands as holy ritual, protects himself with a platoon of bodyguards, and bans books, TV, and sex. Jayanti’s unusual and increasingly bizarre childhood is spent shuttling between the ashram in Queens, New York, and her family’s outpost as “Connecticut missionaries.” On the path to enlightenment decreed by Guru, Jayanti scrubs animal cages in his illegal basement zoo, cheerleads as he weight lifts an elephant in her front yard, and trails him around the world as he pursues celebrities such as Princess Diana and Mother Teresa. But, when her need for enlightenment is derailed by her need for boys, Jayanti risks losing everything that she has ever known, including the person that she was ordained to be. With tenderness, insight, and humor, Jayanti explores the triumphs and trauma of an insider who longs to be an outsider, her hard-won decision to finally break free, and the unique challenges she confronts as she builds a new life.

Rain or shine, they will always be best friends, and since one loves the rain and the other loves the sun, the friends agree for one day that they will try to enjoy what the other loves to do most. Cloudy Rain loves to do cartwheels, backflips and splash puddles in the rain. But not Rain Forrest, he hates the rain. He doesnt want to play in it, nor go outside when it pours down from the highest clouds in the sky, and he certainly doesnt want his soggy friend close by when hes been soaked by the rain. Yet, on any sunny day, its Rain Forrest whose brightness shines. He doesnt want a shady old oak tree, a big beach umbrella, or creamy creams. He simply wants to bake in the sun until he glows like Saturn because according to him the sun is the mother who tans me. Cloudy Rain fulfills his part of the agreement. While the best friends have many exciting and life changing adventures that will test just how strong their friendship really is, Rain Forrest hasnt stepped up to fulfill his end of the agreement. When the best friends are separated by one of their adventures, and theres a possibility they will never reunite, Rain Forrest steps up, and he takes the biggest of leaps to search for his best friend.

At fifty, Alix Kates Shulman left a city life dense with political activism, family, and literary community, and went to stay alone in a small cabin on an island off the Maine coast.

In the Garden of Eden, at the beginning of time, an outrageous lie is born: that women are inferior.Lilith and Adam are equal and happy in the Garden of Eden. But when Adam decides Lilith should submit to his will and lie beneath him, she refuses – and is banished forever from Paradise.

The Vale is home of The Gifted, those born with magical talent that manifests in unpredictable ways that many look upon with suspicion and fear. Even as the Vale's king works hard to teach citizens truth and tolerance concerning the gift of magic, the process is slow and politically risky. Many of the Gifted have no choice but to seek shelter in the stronghold city of Safehold. But is safety possible even there? Sixteen-year-old Arlin is a nobleman's son, grandson of the king of Vale. Handsome and spoiled, he was born to warrior parents with older siblings who outshine him in every capacity. Misunderstood, his sullen attitude alienates his family. With the sudden appearance of wings on his back--a very rare and visible magical Gift--Arlin has no choice but to, literally, take flight to protect himself and his grandfather's reputation as an impartial judge of Gifted rights. Fiella was adopted as an apprentice to the local bookmaster, where she discovered her passion for books and talent for sales. Her parents were killed when she was only seven--an event she witnessed that led to her desperate regret and longing to help others. While traveling on her first book-circuit as a journeyman, she impulsively offers to help Arlin get to Safehold, a sanctuary for Gifted, not realizing the danger she'll be placed in by doing so. Not the least of her worries is the secret she's been carefully hiding: She, too, is Gifted. Shonwin is heir to the lordship of Kuturan. When he was a child, his father was murdered by his own wife. Living with a mercilessly cruel parent led to Shonwin's single-minded devotion to Kuturan. When the king heard of the ruthless horrors practiced there, he tore away their income and livelihood, denying them the rights other lords of the land were entitled to. To rebuild his heritage and birthright, Shonwin means to have his revenge. Arlin's Gift will enable him to not only discredit and disgrace the king but strike at the king's protection of the Gifted and his own beloved grandson, Arlin.

When eleven-year-old Elva finally finishes her chores on this beautiful summer morning, she hurries to the neighboring farm to see if her friend Linda can join her for an afternoon adventure. Come on along with the young Mennonite girls as they hitch up the pony, climb into the cart, and trot down the drive for a day filled with unexpected excitement. This charming story, the first in the Farm Life Series, is based on author Elva Hurst's growing-up years on the family farm and written for children from seven to eleven years old. Reminiscent of days gone by, this simple tale is full of good-hearted fun.