Finding True North

North Carolina Simon hates her name. As a fourteen-year-old girl growing up in the 1970s, she has a lot of challenges. People not only make fun of her name but also scoff at her eccentric family. Dad’s a hoarder, Mom’s an unpredictable artist, and her older sister lives with an autism diagnosis. After a humiliating middle school event shatters her confidence as a singer, North determines to break free from the stigma surrounding her family. As she starts high school, North tells people to call her Carol. Armed with a new name, she updates her hair and clothes, befriends a popular boy in hopes of joining his band, distances herself from her two longtime friends, and avoids being seen with her adoring and dependent sister. Everything seems to be going according to plan until her sister suddenly disappears. Carol is forced to face the fact that fitting in and being popular have come at a cost and that the sister she might lose could have the answer to what she’s been looking for all along. Finding True North is a prequel to Sticks and Stones, but each can be read as a stand-alone novel.Praise for Finding True North:"A relatable and intriguing story of finding identity while remaining true to oneself. North’s journey gives a realistic view of the struggles so many young people face, and her triumphs provide a ray of hope. An important read for teens and adults alike."-Li-Ying Lundquist, author of Wings of Silk"Finding True North paints an authentic view of one girl’s desire for belonging for herself and her family. An inspiring story that reminds us to be ourselves and to let others do the same."-Jessica Therrien, bestselling author of the Children of the Gods series Read more