Most Popular Books by Laura Resau

With a dazzling and thoughtful voice, this critically acclaimed novel deals directly with the challenges and dangers of immigration, exploring the ties that bind us together in an age when issues threaten to divide us. One night Sophie and her parents are called to a hospital where Pedro, a six-year-old Mexican boy, is recovering from dehydration. Crossing the border into Arizona with a group of Mexicans and a coyote, or guide, Pedro and his parents faced such harsh conditions that the boy is the only survivor. Pedro comes to live with Sophie, her parents, and Sophie''s Aunt Dika, a refugee of the war in Bosnia. Sophie loves Pedro—her Principito, or Little Prince. But after a year, Pedro’s surviving family in Mexico makes contact, and Sophie, Dika, Dika’s new boyfriend, and his son must travel with Pedro to his hometown so that he can make a heartwrenching decision. An IRA Award Winner An Américas Award Honor Book An ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults A Colorado Book Award Winner A Cybil Award Finalist A School Library Journal Best Book An Oprah’s Kids’ Reading List Selection A CCBC Choice List Selection A Richie’s Pick ★ “A captivating read.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review ★ "The vivid characters, the fine imagery, and the satisfying story arc make this a rewarding novel." –Booklist, Starred Review ★ "The prose captivates from the first chapter ... a vibrant, large-hearted story." –Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Utterly captivating. This beautiful novel casts a whispery spell of dark enchantments, secrets, and myth." --Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris A broken woman. A mysterious job ad. A chance to heal in French castle gardens--but strange things are growing behind the ancient stone walls. This debut adult novel is an enchanting, modern-day take on The Secret Garden, sprinkled with magic. Perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen. Help Wanted: In search of a gardener for the ancient walled Jardins du Paradis in the South of France. Unique and rustic lodging provided. Off the grid in all ways. One must grow flowers from one''s merde . . . Exhausted by fruitless attempts to make a family, Eloise takes the chance of a lifetime to answer an ad in a French gardening magazine. To fly away from her life in the States and tend to both her shattered heart and the flowers of Paradise. And best of all for her . . . Absolutely no children allowed on the premises. Within the high garden walls, Eloise starts to learn the strange rules of the elusive estate owner. Living and working in isolation with her three companions, she finds her heart opening again to friendship--and realizes she''s drawn to the handyman, Raphael. The flowers whisper to her, enchanting, delighting, healing. But why are the workers forbidden from going out during dusk? Who is the "Goddess of the Garden"? Is her mind playing tricks on her, or does she see a woodsprite flitting through the trees? The giggles and glimpses of a little girl haunt her and make her question: What is real in Paradise and what is illusion? Eloise tries to rationalize her uneasy feelings and the darkness she uncovers beneath the garden''s lush beauty, but as she digs deeper into the mysteries of her sanctuary, she begins to suspect there''s a child on the grounds--who may be in danger. When Paradise becomes a deadly prison, she must risk everything to protect her newfound family and claim her second chance at happiness. "The Alchemy of Flowers captivates the senses as well as the imagination in a magical tale of healing and forgiveness. Resau has written with great heart an eerie yet deeply touching story that keeps the pages turning until the very end." --Melissa Payne, bestselling author of In the Beautiful Dark and The Wild Road Home

A beating heart. A talking tree. The rain forest. Love. Mysticism. Harvest. And above all, chocolate. Dear Coco and Leo,I miss you! We all miss you! The whole forest misses you! I hear their thanks and wishes in my dreams. I hope you do, too. Prepare for a journey into a world filled with what so many crave -- the sweet savoring of a chocolate drop. A drop that can melt even the most troubled realities. But in this nuanced, heartrending story, before good can emerge, there is destruction, the bombarding of a people, their culture, heritage, sacred beliefs, and the very soul that drives their traditions. This urgent, beautiful novel takes readers into the ugly realities that surround the destruction of the Amazon rain forest and its people. Acclaimed author Laura Resau shows us that love is more powerful than hatred, and that by working together, hope can be magically restored, root and branch.

A stunningly rendered mystical novel, set in the remote mountains of Mexico in the 1950s, illuminates the power of an unlikely friendship that blends cultures, magic, and possibilities. Nothing exciting happens on the Hill of Dust, in the remote mountains of Mexico in the 1950s. There''s no electricity, no plumbing, no cars, just day after day of pasturing goats. And now, without his sister and mother, eleven-year-old Teo''s life feels even more barren. And then one day, the mysterious young Esma, who calls herself the Gypsy Queen of Lightning, rolls into town like a fresh burst of color. Against all odds, her caravan''s Mistress of Destiny predicts that Teo and Esma will be longtime friends. Suddenly, life brims with possibility. With the help of a rescued duck, a three-legged skunk, a blind goat, and other allies, Teo and Esma must overcome obstacles-even death-to fulfill their impossible destiny. Inspired by true stories derived from rural Mexico, The Lightning Queen offers a glimpse of the encounter between two fascinating but marginalized cultures--the Rom and the Mixtec Indians--while telling the heart-warming story of an unlikely friendship that spans gener

For fans of I Am Malala comes this poignant novel based on the true story of one girl''s unforgettable journey to self-discovery. *An ALA Amelia Bloomer Selection* *An ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book* Born in an Andean village in Ecuador, Virginia lives with her family in a small, earthen-walled dwelling. In her Indigenous community, it is not uncommon to work in the fields all day, even as a child, or to be called a longa tonta—stupid Indian—by members of the privileged class of mestizos, or Spanish descendants. When seven-year-old Virginia is taken from her home to be a servant to a mestizo couple, she has no idea what the future holds. In this poignant novel based on her own story, the inspiring María Virginia Farinango has collaborated with acclaimed author Laura Resau to recount one girl''s unforgettable journey to find her place in the world. It will make you laugh and cry, and ultimately, it will fill you with hope.

When her father''s parents, whom she has never met, invite her to Mexico, Clara Luna, stunned by the way they live, finds her soul embracing their culture, and embarks on a quest to find the spirit waterfall, with the help of a handsome goatherd.

Sixteen-year-old Zeeta and her flighty English-teaching mom, Layla, have traveled the world together, settling in a different country every year, making a whole new set of friends and adopting new customs. This year, they’ve chosen to live in Aix-en-Provence, France, an enchanting city full of fountains, creamy yellow light, and a fascinating group of scarlet-clad street performers. Zeeta soon begins to receive mysterious notes and gifts from someone she calls her fantôme, or ghost, admirer. But she is expecting her boyfriend, Wendell—the love of her life, as her friends call him—to arrive in Aix for a summer program very soon. Zeeta brushes off her curiosity about her fantôme, and her simmering attraction to one of the street performers, Jean-Claude, until Wendell arrives and she begins to fear that her feelings for him have truly changed. Perhaps—like Layla—she’s simply not made for long-term romance. As Zeeta tries to draw away from Wendell, however, circumstances seem to force them together. Zeeta’s friendship with a local antiques dealer and his reclusive artist friend leads to a dangerous adventure. When Zeeta and Wendell join forces to find a secret underground spring whose water is rumored to bring immortality, they are forced to reconsider their own desires, and their beliefs about true love. Yet as soon as Zeeta decides that her mind has cleared, she’s confronted with the biggest shock of her life: the incredible true identity of her fantôme. Vibrant, warmhearted, and evocative, The Ruby Notebook is a remarkable novel about learning to accept love in all of its wondrous and imperfect forms.

An exciting new series from the acclaimed author of Red Glass. Zeeta''s life with her free-spirited mother, Layla, is anything but normal. Every year Layla picks another country she wants to live in. This summer they’re in Ecuador, and Zeeta is determined to convince her mother to settle down. Zeeta makes friends with vendors at the town market and begs them to think of upstanding, “normal” men to set up with Layla. There, Zeeta meets Wendell. She learns that he was born nearby, but adopted by an American family. His one wish is to find his birth parents, and Zeeta agrees to help him. But when Wendell’s biological father turns out to be involved in something very dangerous, Zeeta wonders whether she’ll ever get the chance to tell her mom how she really feels—or to enjoy her deepening feelings for Wendell. Praise for Red Glass: *“A captivating read.”—School Library Journal, Starred

Down-to-earth Zeeta and her flighty mom, Layla, have spent years traveling the globe and soaking up everything each new culture has to offer. Now they''ve settled in the beachside town of Mazunte, Mexico, where Zeeta''s true love, Wendell, has an internship photographing rare sea turtles. At first glance, Zeeta feels sure that Mazunte is paradise—she envisions dips in jade waters, sunsets over sea cliffs, moonlit walks in the surf. And she is determined to make Mazunte her home . . . for good. But as she and Wendell dig deeper to unearth her elusive father''s past, Zeeta finds that paradise has its dark side.

An inspiring true story about how an activist in the Amazon worked with other Indigenous communities to protect and preserve their sacred lands and forests. Patricia (Paty) Gualinga grew up in her Kichwa village in the Amazon of Ecuador where mystical beings called Amazanga help protect the forest. Paty traveled away from home for school until she was called back—companies that said the government sold them property were destroying her people’s lands to look for oil. The Kichwa community worked with other Indigenous groups to bring the Ecuadorian government to the Court of Human Rights. Lyrically told and beautifully illustrated, this moving story will remind readers of the importance of nature conservation, perseverance, and standing up for your community. “A gorgeously told true story, full of lyricism, wonder, beautiful artwork, and most importantly, HOPE. Stand as Tall as the Trees makes my heart swell every time I read it. We need more stories like this—in life and in our libraries.” —Todd Mitchell, Green Earth Book Award Honor Winner and Author of The Namer of Spirits “This moving and inspirational story of Patricia Gualinga''s fight for her community''s Amazon rainforest is an urgent call to action to protect the wilderness, which, in the poignant words of the authors, keeps us all alive. Stand as Tall as the Trees is an ode to the power of ordinary people to affect change. Lovingly written and illustrated, it is a book that will inspire a new generation of activists.” —Lea Aschkenas, bilingual librarian and author of Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle “This picture book will capture your heart and imagination alike.” – Alda P. Dobbs, Winner of the Pura Belpré Honor Award and Author of The Other Side of the River “This gorgeous book will surely delight youngsters, but it will be on my syllabus for graduate students studying Nature Writing as well. After all, books for younger readers influence our cultural conversation about the environment. Who doesn’t remember their favorite nature-based picture book? I think we all do, because they were seared into our brains at a powerful moment. This book deserves to be one of those memorable classics, worth studying for its important story, delightful art, inclusion, and environmental ethic.” —Laura Pritchett, PhD, Director of the MFA in Nature Writing at Western Colorado University and PEN USA Award Winning Author "A true story full of wisdom and hope, this book''s stunning beauty ranges from the gorgeous illustrations to the powerful messages of bravery, strength, and perseverance. Stand as Tall as the Trees is a poetic and soulful gem that offers inspiration for readers of all ages." — Bailey Cates, NYT bestselling author

In the year 2154, virtual reality is an enticing escape... but just for the privileged. For others, like sixteen-year-old Liv, reality means living by a contaminated bay that''s sickened her little sister to the brink of death. Determined to find a cure, Liv ventures to a mysterious tropical island to infiltrate a tech empire owned by the world''s most powerful man. When she encounters his son, Wolf, she''s shocked. He isn''t the shallow celebrity portrayed in the virtual world-he''s an idealist with heart, committed to righting his father''s wrongs. And when Wolf promises to help save her sister, he might just capture Liv''s heart, too. But as Liv and Wolf confront a danger beyond anything they could have imagined, they must unravel the deadly scheme at the core of the tech empire. And their world starts to crumble . . . just as they''re falling in love. A mind-bending, fast-paced YA sci-fi with heart. Rooted in futuristic science and ancient wisdom, Virch explores truth and illusion, human and environmental rights, and the forces of love behind it all.

From the author of The Alchemy of Flowers comes a tale of lost selves, ages-old secrets, and how we can reclaim our truest voices through love, music, and a touch of magic. In the South of France, on a mystical river called Le Chanson--The Song--lies a secluded village of ancient limestone maisons, cobbled streets, and mysterious forests. The village itself sings, alive with melodies of flowing water, rustling olive leaves, and whispering poppies--creating an otherworldly air of hidden magic. When Callie arrives there with her young daughter, she''s charmed by her quirky neighbors, including the witchy owner of a run-down rental chateau, an older truffle hunter, his enigmatic son--a handsome and kind vet--and their lovable dogs. Oh, and a mischievous ghost boy. Each one has lost their truest selves. And they need each other to find them. A former indie singer-songwriter, Callie experienced a tragedy several years earlier, which led her to relinquish her successful music career on the insistence of her manipulative ex. Her songs were famous for offering a sense of hope--and once her friends and neighbors in Le Chanson help her reclaim her voice, everyone starts feeling the heart-opening effects. But when her ex shows up at the chateau, she must use her voice to stand up to him, unearth secrets, and protect her newfound family. As she lets her own true voice ring out, so do others in town, sparking friendship and love, and healing old wounds. Whimsical and atmospheric, The River Muse will enchant readers with its myth, magic, and music--showing how they can reclaim their essence and find love in unexpected places.

Una inspiradora historia real sobre cómo una activista trabajó en la Amazonía con otras comunidades indígenas para proteger y preservar sus tierras y selvas sagradas. An inspiring true story about how an activist in the Amazon worked with other Indigenous communities to protect and preserve their sacred lands and forests. Patricia (Paty) Gualinga creció en su aldea kichwa, en la Amazonía ecuatoriana, donde seres míticos llamados Amazangas ayudan a proteger la selva. Debido a los estudios, Paty dejó su hogar hasta que se vio obligada a regresar. En la búsqueda de petróleo, compañías que afirmaban que el gobierno les había vendido propiedades estaban destruyendo las tierras del pueblo de Paty. La comunidad kichwa trabajó junto con otros grupos indígenas para llevar al gobierno ecuatoriano ante la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos. Esta emotiva historia, de narrativa poética y bellas ilustraciones, recordará a los lectores la importancia de conservar la naturaleza, ser perseverantes y alzarse en defensa de uno mismo y de la comunidad. Patricia (Paty) Gualinga grew up in her Kichwa village in the Amazon of Ecuador where mystical beings called Amazanga help protect the forest. Paty traveled away from home for school until she was called back—companies that said the government sold them property were destroying her people’s lands to look for oil. The Kichwa community worked with other Indigenous groups to bring the Ecuadorian government to the Court of Human Rights. Lyrically told and beautifully illustrated, this moving story will remind readers of the importance of nature conservation, perseverance, and standing up for your community.

After eleven-year-old Zitlally''s father is deported to Mexico, she takes refuge in her trailer park''s forest of rusted car parts, where she befriends a spunky neighbor and finds a stray dog that she nurses back to health and believes she must keep safe so that her father will return. Includes author''s note about immigration from Mexico to the United States, and Nahuatl and Spanish glossaries.