Magpie Goblin Word-Boy

In a city shattered by gravity, packs of feral children roam the streets, playing, fighting, stealing, and surviving. Magpie is odd even by feral standards, and the other kids taunt and call him Goblin. Nothing makes him happier than talking to the crows that follow him and collecting his pretty rocks and rings, feathers and glasses and other shiny things. The bullies in his pack say he is useless and kick him out. In this city he won't survive long on his own.

Then a chance encounter with two mysterious kids named Grammar and Neverwhen changes his life. He teaches them how to survive, and they teach him how to read and what hugs and friends are. But his vindictive former pack leader hates Magpie's new pack and will go to any lengths to ruin Magpie's happiness.

He's been called useless and worthless his whole life. But if he can't find the self-acceptance and courage to stop his old bully, his new life will be destroyed.

Magpie Goblin Word-Boy is a short story that takes place before Book 1 of the Gravity Shattered series.