A debut picture book about a curious student who finds herself in trouble for talking in class—even though she just wants to share all that she’s learned. “Did you know that flamingos don’t have teeth?” Questions, facts, and dreams—Ruby René could talk for hours. Once she got going, it was hard for her to stop. It didn’t matter if it was history, science, or the lunch menu—Ruby René had so much to say! But when her teacher called home because she found her sharing distracting, Ruby vowed to keep quiet. Until . . . she finds the perfect outlet for her gift of gab. With charming text by debut author/educator Ashley Iman and colorful illustrations by Gladys Jose, Ruby René Had So Much to Say is a celebration of owning your voice, honing your skills, and turning challenges into opportunities.

A debut picture book about a curious student who finds herself in trouble for talking in class—even though she just wants to share all that she’s learned. “Did you know that flamingos don’t have teeth?” Questions, facts, and dreams—Ruby René could talk for hours. Once she got going, it was hard for her to stop. It didn’t matter if it was history, science, or the lunch menu—Ruby René had so much to say! But when her teacher called home because she found her sharing distracting, Ruby vowed to keep quiet. Until . . . she finds the perfect outlet for her gift of gab. With charming text by debut author/educator Ashley Iman and colorful illustrations by Gladys Jose, Ruby René Had So Much to Say is a celebration of owning your voice, honing your skills, and turning challenges into opportunities.

Like most seven year olds, Rene Gaithers' primary concern is playing games and watching cartoons. Her mother, father, grandmother and siblings are the center of her world. She is the lovingly spoiled youngest child and her world is perfect. But when Yo' Mama jokes start a school yard fight, awareness sinks in that there is something wrong with her treasured family. The truth is eventually revealed. Through her teenage years and into adulthood, Rene struggles with a sense of inadequacy and shame of being an illegitimate daughter in a Secret Family. Rene's dream is to have a real family. Despite using her parents' examples of want not to do, her relationships fail. Even her steadfast friendship with Kenny Sherman turns sour when they take things to the next level. Rene is left devastated by Kenny's unimaginable betrayal. Does true love really exist? If so, is she worthy enough to receive it or will the sins of her mother destroy any chance of happiness? Secret Family is based in part on the author's life.

Miss Ruby Mae Foote of Nada, Texas, has a big ambition: to deliver a message of universal peace and understanding at the United Nations. Problem is, she's tongue-tied! Can a makeshift invention turn Ruby Mae into a political sensation? From Caldecott Honor artist David Small, here's the wise and funny tale of an ordinary woman--with an extraordinary message.

Thirteen-year-old Joey Frank and Ernie are dirt-poor farmers' sons in rural Georgia in the early 1900's, but they each have something money can't buy: A best buddy. Ernie is eight days older, so he takes the lead when they decide where to go fishing, and what to do when they go to town, and when to skip a day from their one-room schoolhouse. On that day, they watch the town banker and his wife bury something in the woods. Ernie goads Joey Frank into questioning the banker about this strange episode, and Ernie has to take the lead once again to get them out of the terrible scrape, which ensues. But Joey Frank is strong willed too, and when Ernie's luck runs out, Joey Frank determines one thing: that no matter what he has to do to take care of Ernie, Ernie's buddy wont let him down.

Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls is a moving saga novel of friendship set in the heart of pre-WWI London from bestselling author, Mary Wood. Elsie’s worked her way up at Swift’s Jam Factory from the shop floor to the top, and now it’s her time to shine. But when she’s involved in an incident involving her half-sister Millie’s new husband, she is forced to keep it secret – the truth could threaten their sisterly bond. Dot is dogged by fear, coming to terms with her mother’s rejection of her. She should be enjoying the happiness she craves with her beloved Cess; instead, she’s trapped in an asylum, haunted by the horrifying cries of inmates. All she wants is to get married, but what chance is there for her if she’s locked away? Millie is trying to build a life with her new husband. But the man she loves is not all he seems . . . Can the Jam Factory girls create the future they all deserve? This historical saga series begins with The Jam Factory Girls.