Books with author Kimberley Willis

My dream of becoming a writer is like a fallen leaf swept up by the wind—dancing inches from my reach, teasing, never letting me touch it. But somehow I hope that my life will have meaning one day.The story begins in 1939 with Rose, who takes a job driving a bookmobile when she moves with her family from rural Texas to the Louisiana bayou. Two decades later, Merle Henry, Rose’s son, is more passionate about trapping mink than reading, although there is a place in his heart for Old Yeller. In 1973, Merle Henry’s daughter, Annabeth, feels torn between reading fairy tales and a crush on her own real-life knight in shining armor. And in the present day, Annabeth’s son, Kyle, finds himself in a bind: he hates reading, but the only summer job he can get is at the library. Touching, lyrical, and always intriguing, this family’s story reveals how a love of books creates a powerful bond that spans generations. Part of Me is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Twelve-year-old Stevie attempts to brighten the lives of her cranky grandfather and the residents of his motel by planting a garden in this middle grade novel by National Book Award-winning author Kimberly Willis Holt.Stevie's world changes drastically when her parents are tragically killed and she is forced to live with her estranged grandfather at his run-down motel. After failed attempts to connect with her grandfather, Stevie befriends the colorful motel tenants and neighbors. Together, they decide to bring some color and life to the motel by planting a flower garden, against Stevie's grandfather's wishes. It will take Stevie's departure before her grandfather realizes just how needed she is by everyone. Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel explores themes of loss, family, and love, and gets at the heart of what it means to find a place to call home. A Christy Ottaviano Book"Endearing and imperfect, Stevie establishes immediate rapport with readers." --Kirkus Reviews More from Kimberly Willis Holt: Skinny Brown DogDear Hank Williams Dinner with the HighbrowsThe Water SeekerKeeper of the NightWhen Zachary Beaver Came to TownThe Piper Reed series: Piper Reed, Navy BratPiper Reed, Clubhouse QueenPiper Reed Gets a JobPiper Reed, Party PlannerPiper Reed, Campfire Girl Piper Reed, Rodeo StarPiper Reed, Forever Friend