Books in Lurlene McDaniel series

“Sorry, John Green fans, but McDaniel’s been making us cry . . . for decades,” says Bustle.com. Now, in her latest novel, as three high school seniors are in the midst of planning their futures, they must face present-day circumstances that force them to grasp what it means to truly become an adult. Lani Kennedy has dreamed of becoming a nurse since her cousin Arie died of leukemia. Nothing will stop her from getting into the local nursing program. Dawson Berke hasn’t dealt with his mom’s death, and he’s angry at his dad for forcing them to move right before his senior year. Sloan Quentin knows that her band is her ticket to fame and fortune. When she discovers that her boyfriend—the band’s lead guitarist—is cheating on her, she finds comfort—and revenge—in someone else’s arms. As the lives of Lani, Dawson, and Sloan become entangled in unexpected ways, reality hits harder than anyone could have imagined, and life-altering decisions are faced. “For fans of romance tinged with tragedy . . . this latest offering will resonate.” —SLJ

In this newly repackaged trade paper edition, Hit and Run explores moral andethical issues, bringing to light the alarming increase in hit and run car accidentsin this nation and the lives that are forever changed as a result.It was an accident. But when the people involved don't come forward, doesn't itbecome a crime? Hit and Run is the story of four high school teens whose lives intersect due to a tragic car accident. For better or worse, the choices each one decides to makecannot be reversed. Can they find the courage and strength to face theconsequences of their choices, in order to find peace in their new realities?

Fifteen-year-old Dawn Rochelle has survived cancer not once, but twice. No one knows the battle better than she does. That's why Dawn agrees to be a camp counselor for young kids with cancer―the same camp she and her best friend Sandy had attended. Now Sandy is gone. Can Dawn handle the memories? How can she help the kids if she is still hurting so much?

Rachel Deering has her eyes on her toes: she wants to become a world-class ballerina. As a 14-year-old, she is already one of the best dancers in the country. Just as she prepares for an audition for an opening with a prestigious dance troupe, Rachel starts having some very disturbing symptoms. After collapsing at school, she has many tests and her doctor tells her the news: She has diabetes. Now her world consists of blood tests, insulin shots, a controlled diet, and constant fear that she will have a reaction and end up unable to dance―or worse.

From Lurlene McDaniel, the bestselling author of young adult inspirational fiction, comes Heart to Heart. This emotionally charged novel explores loss, love, renewal, and the ways in which these complex bonds within families and between friends are tested at life's most challenging moments. Elowyn Eden and Kassey Messechek are best friends. They share every aspect of their lives. But one thing Elowyn has not yet shared with Kassey is that she checked the organ donor box on her newly acquired driver's license. Kassey only learns of this in a startling and devastating way—when Elowyn's life-giving donor wishes are about to be honored. Arabeth St. Clair has not had the luck to have a best friend. Due to her diseased heart, she's led a sheltered life. When Arabeth is sixteen, she and her mother receive the call that will change their lives—but they don't know to whom they should be forever grateful. When the worlds of these three girls and their families intersect, lives are changed in ways never imagined. Most especially, it is Kassey who sees things differently, for she can keep alive the memory of her dear friend by sharing the renewed life of another teenage girl, while helping to ease the pain of the two families involved and coming to terms with her own.

Thirteen-year-old Casey's mother always said that Casey's sixteen-year-old sister marched to the beat of a different drummer. But it isn't until Briana runs away with an older boy that Casey begins to understand what her mother meant. When Briana returns home alone and pregnant, Casey and her mother try to help Briana come to terms with her options.It was already complicated to think about Briana's choices and then things change suddenly again. When Briana is in a serious accident, Casey's mother sees things one way. Although Casey understands her mother's reaction, she feels she must try to convince her mother to make a different decision. Casey needs to grow up fast and do what she can to maintain Briana's legacy. Will she be able to make her mother understand that there is only one way to accept Briana's gift?

"Junior high will be a blast," promises Andrea Manetti's best friend. But while exciting things are happening at school―new friends, boys, and a chance to star in the musical―Andrea's home life is falling apart. Her parents are always fighting; her mom's new job means Andrea has to help more with the family. And then there's Andrea's brother. Can Andrea keep her family together―and keep their secrets from getting out? And why does the boy at school who hates her seem to be the only one who understands her?