Merry Brennan

Pink Uggs… blue Top-Siders… old tan Timberlands… Talented good girl Jewel Jacobs surveys the shoes on the other kids who tried to kill themselves, all slumped in the support group circle that Red Nikes mockingly calls “the Unalive Failures Club.” How did they each get here? How did she get here? A week ago, her biggest worry was making it into the legendary Teen Arts Show. Then she woke in a hospital bed with pain shooting up her arms and absolutely no memory of hurting herself. In a journey far deeper than the scars on her wrists, Jewel must weave together repressed secrets suddenly bubbling up in confusing pieces. As she struggles to understand her own shocking behavior, she learns friendship, love, and quirky humor can bring you back from the darkest places.

Get a front row seat to humor, squabbles and wide-eyed wonder on this 7,000-mile adventure. Join the Brennans and their three teens on a journey that changed their family. Caves, peaks and whitewater rapids brought them closer to nature. Hours on the road in “The Couch” (their comfy SUV) brought them closer to each other. Were there fights and freak outs? Of course. Giggles? Every day. Through it all, the road trip forever deepened their relationships – with one another and our spectacular country. The book includes maps, photos, trip planning advice, teen-focused tips, and fascinating facts about our amazing public lands. Learn the latest research on Crucial Parent-Teen Connections, Nature's Healing Power, and The Future of Our National Parks.

Imagine giving up everything you own and walking across the country for 28 years?
Meet Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981), who traveled the US on foot with only the clothes on her back to spread her message of peace.  She lived off the land and the kindness of those she met. Whenever she ran into trouble – physical or verbal – her sole response was love. Never heard of her? Read the book and you’ll never forget her! This biographical novel includes photos, glossary & reader's guide, and fits historical fiction, anti-bullying & women's history themes. Aimed at middle grades and up, it's inspiring for all ages and has gotten rave reviews from women’s book clubs.