Books with author David L. Matthews

A compelling novel that touches upon the hardships that refugees face and their resilience in the most dire of situations, “celebrat[ing] the human spirit and inherent kindness” (School Library Journal). My story starts the day that my parents told me we must leave our adopted home forever. Because of the soldiers and the drought we barely had enough to eat and we could no longer stay to help the people in our village. The journey would be hard—to cross the mountains and get to the safety of the border and the people there who could help us. But right before we were leaving, I saw a fish in a small brown puddle and I knew I had to take it with me. Yet when I put the fish in the pot, I never realized what we would have to face. It never occurred to me to leave Fish behind. A subtle and sophisticated exploration of life, the strength of humanity, and survival in an unforgiving world, Fish is a story that will teach those who doubt that, when hope is almost extinguished, miracles can happen.ALA Notable Children's Book ChoicePublishers Weekly Best Book of the YearWinner of the Fidler Award[STAR] “Matthews allows just enough detail—and heart—to make miracles feel possible.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review “An amazing book.”—The Washington Post “Exciting and filled with crises and adventure… it is a story that celebrates the human spirit and inherent kindness.”—School Library Journal “Matthews is a compelling new voice.”—VOYA

My name is Livvy Deveroux, and my family’s enemies have now become my own. I’d known that accepting my place with the Deveroux’s would bring repercussions, but I never thought that betrayal would emerge so close. Nor did I expect it to cut so deep. Req’s always protected me, so when he sets me up to carry out his vengeance, I’m left floundering as I try to pick up the pieces of my life. His deceit not only hurt me, but it also deeply affected Khristos. My relationship with my father has always been rocky, but now we find ourselves struggling to keep it from falling apart.Then, the dead succubi start surfacing—completely drained of life.I may be at odds with Req, but I know him well enough to know that someone’s setting him up to take the fall for the murders. Unfortunately, Khristos is dead certain that Req has to be eliminated—permanently. He’ll stop at nothing to kill him, and I find myself caught up in a whirlwind of chaos as I try to unravel the real reason behind the murders. Someone’s trying to send a message to Khristos, and one of us will be their end game. With Khristos distracted by retribution, I have no choice but to put my issues with Req aside in order to search for the real killer.I can’t allow Khristos to be blindsided by whoever is behind it all. But will the truth come out in time, or will one of us pay the ultimate price with our life?Recommended for ages 15+.

Winner of the Fidler Award, this is a compelling, globally successful book about becoming a refugee, told with compassion and hope.War and drought have come to Tiger's country. Just before Tiger's family leaves, Tiger finds a fish struggling for life in a drying-up puddle - and rescues it. And so they set off on a dangerous journey across the mountains, with only what they can carry on their backs - the fish's grip on survival mirroring their own. Critically acclaimed for its subtlety and simplicity, this is a universal fable where the specifics of geography, conflict and even the gender of the narrator are not given. Anyone can identify with Tiger's desire to make a difference to the world, and keep hope alive.

Caleb Sawyer expects his senior year at Baxter High to go just as he planned. He’s a member of the football team, is active in his church, has a great job, and loves hanging out with his friends at the local diner. But then he crosses paths with Ellie Thompson, the mysterious new girl in town. Ellie has a fiery personality and a tragic past, and Caleb’s obsession with her leads them both on adventures full of opportunities and challenges.As their connection grows, Caleb must wrestle with his fears and doubts. Practicing what you preach is not always easy, and when the unthinkable happens, Caleb wonders if there is any future for him and Ellie. With the support of his parents and friends, and the unexpected help of a kindly old widow, Caleb’s faith finally comes full circle. But is there any end to the treacherous road that is his and Ellie’s relationship? Is there a future and a hope for them?

Winner of the Fidler Award, this is a compelling, globally successful book about becoming a refugee, told with compassion and hope.War and drought have come to Tiger's country. Just before Tiger's family leaves, Tiger finds a fish struggling for life in a drying-up puddle - and rescues it. And so they set off on a dangerous journey across the mountains, with only what they can carry on their backs - the fish's grip on survival mirroring their own. Critically acclaimed for its subtlety and simplicity, this is a universal fable where the specifics of geography, conflict and even the gender of the narrator are not given. Anyone can identify with Tiger's desire to make a difference to the world, and keep hope alive.

Within Ava, within Kel Doran - Something has awakened...The Caro Expedition is under way, but the journey will not be without peril for the mysterious warrior and those she leads. Their goal: to plunder the secrets of Valshyr, unlock its past, and search for answers within the mist.Meanwhile, in Wyvern’s Rest, Ava has her freedom, but it may cost her more than she can bare. She and the other survivors are left battered and broken as tremors plague their helpless city, pushed to the brink as darkness infests the Outer Quarter.Put to the test, Ava will have to choose between her freedom and the city’s survival. Which will she choose?The epic adventure continues in Book 2 of the Mists of Kel Doran Series!

My story starts the day that my parents told me we must leave our adopted home forever. Because of the soldiers and the drought we barely had enough to eat and we could no longer stay to help the people in our village.Right before we were leaving I saw a fish in a small brown puddle and I knew I had to take it with me. The journey would be hard to get across the mountains—to the safety of the border and the people there who could help us. Yet when I put the fish in the pot I never realized what we would have to face. It never occurred to me to leave Fish behind.A subtle and sophisticated exploration of life, the strength of humanity, and survival in an unforgiving world, Fish is a story that will teach those who doubt that, when hope is almost extinguished, miracles can happen.