Standing By Emma

Theme: Friendship & physical handicap BFFs Danya and Emma are known around school as “Demma.” The girls are total opposites, but they know each other so well that they finish each other’s sentences. Danya is plagues with guilt when the girls and Rosie, Emma’s mom, are involved in a terrible car accident that leaves Emma in a wheelchair. Danya believes the wreck was her fault because she distracted Rosie from the road and had to be scolded. For a while, Emma believes it too. And she can’t forgive her friend.  This series of short novels was designed to engage a broad spectrum of struggling readers.  No longer will upper-elementary students have to read material junior to their maturity and interests.  Characters are age appropriate and come from diverse cultures and backgrounds.  Science ficion, sports, paranormal, realistic life, historical fiction, and fantasy are just a few of the many genres.  Books are no higher than a 1.5 reading level, with illustrations on every spread that support visual literacy and draw kids into the text.  Each book is around 70 pages.