William Lavender

#2

The saga of Chinaberry tells of a sprawling plantation on the Mississippi; a place rife with blazing ambitions, forbidden desires and scandalous secrets, meshed together in a web that ensnare all who come within its reach. Daughter of the landowner, Julia Douglas, grows dangerously close to her "personal slave boy," Darby, with disastrous results for both of them. Will he ever forget her? Certainly she'll never forget him . . . the twist ending will leave you shaking your head in wonder.

#3

Jessie Wainwright, the daughter of a prominent San Francisco physician, intends to become a doctor herself, despite her father's disapproval. Her dream is nearly lost when a chance encounter reveals a shocking secret--and Jessie sets off in search of answers. Determined to confirm her dark suspicions, Jessie combs the streets of Chinatown. She ultimately witnesses the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and the plight of Chinese immigrants relegated to the nightmare of refugee camps in its wake. With the help of trusted friends, old and new, Jessie discovers the strength to stand up to her domineering father and to break through the racial boundaries of the times. In this powerful story of family, love, and history, Jessie also finds the courage to set out on a daring path that sets her apart from other young women of her generation. Originally published by Harcourt Children's Books under the guidance of preeminent editor Karen Grove.