The Centipede’s Bite

Picture Storybook for ages 7-10/Historical Fiction

For over a hundred years, people came to Hawaii to work on its sugar and pineapple plantations. Today, the plantations are gone, but stories of their workers and families live on…

Nine-year-old Carmela hadn’t realized how scary change could be…until she moves from the Philippines to a pineapple plantation in Hawaii. Carmela had studied English back home and thought making friends would be easy. But the Pidgin English they speak on the plantation is beyond her understanding. As children keep their distance and her grades tumble, Carmela loses heart. That is, until a new teacher convinces her to compete in the school spelling bee—even though Carmela is sure she can’t win.

Photo: Kunia Elementary School on Del Monte Pineapple Plantation-Oahu, 1975

In the Path of an Elephant

Picture Storybook for Ages 8-11/Historical Fiction

A retelling of the true story of Bui Tuong Huan, South Vietnam’s last Minister of Defense, and his family during the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Fleeing Vietnam as the communist army advances on Saigon, ten-year-old Quan, his mother, and sister become refugees when his father is trapped in the city after trying to negotiate a ceasefire.

Photo: South Vietnamese refugees on U.S. Navy carrier during Operation Frequent Wind, the last U.S. evacuation operation in Saigon, April 29, 1975 (Public Domain)

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The Alley's Treasure

Picture Book for Ages 7-10/Realistic Fiction

Can friendship survive the pain of betrayal when a playful trick backfires?

If only Nancy had revealed the truth without laughing at her! Now, Ginny feels belittled—the fun of their treasure hunt swept away. But when she decides to trust Nancy one more time, she discovers a deeper meaning of friendship—even when best friends tell tales!

Photo: Alley on Galveston Island in Texas-where the real treasure hunt happened