Desperate to save her life, Yvette returned to her hometown, Selma, Alabama. She sought help from her grandparents, and searched for Miss Christine, the lady who had played an important part in her childhood, a woman of faith and a clairvoyant. Could she possibly put an end to Bertha Mae’s ghost? A year had passed, and Yvette continued being haunted and violently beaten by her mother’s ghost in her sleep and even in broad daylight. Fearing for her life, Yvette’s days were nearly as horrible as her nights, merely existing, not knowing when Bertha Mae’s haint would appear in the ceiling, burst through the wall, sit on top of her while asleep, violently whip her, or choke her nearly to death. Filled with despair, at one point she nearly gave up, but was convinced to fight to save her life. She deserved to live and find happiness. But could she find the will to fight her mother’s haint? Would she survive?

At last, Yvette was finally free of Bertha Mae’s Ghost/haint. Thankfully, she didn’t remember much of what had occurred during those horrific periods of being pummeled near to death, the nightmares, foul language, and smells of her mother. The fear of losing her mind, the quick desire to give up. Nor did she recall the ceremony that she had performed to send her mother to her grave. What she did recall was sending the man that she adored away, causing her extreme grief. Yet, there had been a plan unforeseen by her that they would come together again. However, she needed time to be free. Free from her mother’s hate in life and death, after more than twenty-nine years. Free to sleep, dream, but most of all, she needed to find out who the real Yvette Marie Hardin was. The questions lingers. What would her freedom bring her, and what remained waiting for her?

Yvette Hardin was born to a narcissistic mother who detested her from the moment she entered the world. Over the years, her mother, Bertha Mae, began to strike, curse, belittle, neglect, and demand Yvette do household chores. When Yvette had time to be alone, she prayed that her mother, Bertha Mae, would not scream her name, demanding her to get her stinky, lazy behind up and cater to her. She daydreamed about a better life and prayed that one day her mother would love her. Several days after Yvette graduated high school, her mother died, leaving her without an answer, feeling lost. Frightfully, she wasn't finished taunting her.

Part 1, Books, Group 1, v. 25 : Nos. 1-121 (March - December, 1928)

In his Nautilus Award-winning classic Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a powerful coming-of-age story of a boy who must overcome the effects that violence has had on his life. After severely injuring Peter Driscal in an empty parking lot, mischief-maker Cole Matthews is in major trouble. But instead of jail time, Cole is given another option: attend Circle Justice, an alternative program that sends juvenile offenders to a remote Alaskan Island to focus on changing their ways. Desperate to avoid prison, Cole fakes humility and agrees to go. While there, Cole is mauled by a mysterious white bear and left for dead. Thoughts of his abusive parents, helpless Peter, and his own anger cause him to examine his actions and seek redemption—from the spirit bear that attacked him, from his victims, and, most importantly, from himself. Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots of his anger without absolving him of responsibility for his actions, and questioning a society in which angry people make victims of their peers and communities. Touching Spirit Bear is a poignant testimonial to the power of a pain that can destroy, or lead to healing. A strong choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups.

Still trapped in the Ever After, ten-year-old May Bird struggles to decide whether to save the world of her ghostly friends from the evil Bo Cleevil or to return to her West Virginia home.