Books with author Judith Benet Richardson

When Nita's mother becomes depressed after a trip to her native Thailand, shy ten-year-old Nita feels lost. But one day a snowy owl appears in the dunes near their home, and from then on, Nita finds herself doing things she never would have done before. She even wins the lead in the school play, entering a world where her shyness seems to disappear. Incorporating images of a majestic snowy owl, the serenity of Snow White, and the quiet beauty of Thai orchids, this is a moving and vividly realistic story of one girl's personal triumph.

Nita can't believe it! She's just won the role of Snow White in her fifth-grade class play. If only Nita's mother, Ma-jah, could be there to see her perform. But ever since Ma-jah returned from visiting relatives in Thailand, she's been suffering from depression. And now she's in the hospital. Nita feels lonely without Ma-jah around to talk to. As soon as shy Nita steps onstage to rehearse for the play, everything seems better. Using her powerful imagination, Nita forgets her own problems and pretends to be someone else for a few magical moments. And at home, Nita's busy working on a school report on Thailand. As she learns about her Thai heritage, she understands more about her mother, and about herself as well.